Winston-Salem, NC Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Charging required
- Must be plugged in and charging
- Move deadline
- When charging ends or time limit hits
- Parking fees
- Normal fees still apply
- Cord rule
- Can't cross streets or sidewalks
- Penalty
- Up to $50.00 infraction
Summary
Winston-Salem requires vehicles parked in designated electric vehicle charging spaces to be actively plugged in and charging, requires drivers to move once charging ends or the posted time limit is reached, and still charges normal parking fees while the charger is in use.
No vehicle shall be parked in a designated electric vehicle charging space unless it is plugged into an electric vehicle charger and is actively being charged. Electric vehicles using an electric vehicle charger must be moved once the vehicle is no longer receiving an electric charge or the specified time limit has been reached. Where a designated parking space for electric vehicle charging is on-street, in a parking lot, parking deck, etc., normal parking fees will be required while the electric vehicle charger is being used.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
City code reserves marked electric vehicle charging spaces for cars that are plugged in and actively drawing a charge: a vehicle that has finished charging or has hit the posted time limit must move even if no other car is waiting. Normal metered or lot fees still apply while the charger runs; using the EV space doesn't waive them. A companion rule at Sec. 42-153(c) bars charging an EV parked on a city street or city property from any cord or outlet that crosses a street, sidewalk, or other public property, or that isn't designated for vehicle charging.
Violations & Fines
Violating the EV charging space rule is a parking infraction under Sec. 42-2(b), punishable by a penalty of up to $50.00, not the class 3 misdemeanor that applies to most other chapter 42 offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in an EV charging space without charging?
Do I still pay to park while charging?
Can I run a charging cord across a sidewalk to reach my car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
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