Las Cruces, NM Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- EV space rule
- Charging vehicles only
- Added by
- Ord. 3061 (Feb. 2024)
- Applies to
- Public charging spaces
- Gas vehicles
- May not block chargers
- State EV parking law
- None; local rule governs
Summary
Las Cruces reserves posted EV charging spaces for active charging only. Sec. 27-12-6-6.1(A)(18), added in 2024, makes parking in an EV charging space unlawful unless the vehicle is plugged in and charging.
In a public parking space where there is an EV charging station indicating that parking is for electric vehicle charging unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment and charging.B.No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any such prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful. (NMSA 1978, § 66-7-351)C.The foregoing provisions may be modified by the administrator or his designated representative upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation study by the use of appropriate markings, signs or parking meters. (Ord. No. 2121, § VI, 7-19-04; Ord. No. 2670, § I(Exh. A), 11-5-12; Ord. No. 3061, § I(Exh. A), 2-5-24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
In February 2024, Las Cruces added subsection (A)(18) to Sec. 27-12-6-6.1 (Ord. No. 3061, Feb. 5, 2024), making it unlawful to park in a public parking space marked for electric vehicle charging unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment and actively charging. This anti-'ICEing' rule keeps both gas vehicles and idle EVs from blocking public chargers. New Mexico has no statewide EV-parking-space enforcement statute, so this is a genuine local provision. Charger installation on private property follows building-code EV-ready provisions rather than a separate Las Cruces mandate.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a public EV charging space without charging is a citable traffic offense under Sec. 27-12-6-6.1; vehicles are subject to citation and towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in an EV charging spot if I'm not charging in Las Cruces?
Does this apply to gas cars too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
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