HB0198 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 05192 RJF 25222 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB0198

Introduced , by Rep. Robyn Gabel

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/11-1308 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits the parking of non-electric vehicles in charging station spaces designated for electric vehicles. Allows any person or local authority owning or operating a parking facility to remove or cause to be removed any non-electric vehicle parked within a charging station space designated for use by an electric vehicle. Imposes a minimum fine of $75 on a person parking a non-electric vehicle in a space designated for electric vehicles. Requires municipalities to display signs indicating the fine imposed for a violation. Defines "electric vehicle", "electric vehicle charging station", and "electric vehicle registration plates".

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding Section 11-1308 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/11-1308 new)

Sec. 11-1308. Unauthorized use of parking places reserved for electric vehicles.

(a) For the purposes of this Section:

"Electric vehicle" means a battery-powered electric vehicle operated solely by electricity or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that operates on electricity and gasoline and has a battery that can be recharged from an external source.

"Electric vehicle charging station" means any facility or equipment that is used to charge a battery or other energy storage device of an electric vehicle.

"Electric vehicle registration plates" means plates issued for the vehicle under Section 3-805 of this Code.

(b) It shall be prohibited to park a non-electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station designated for use by electric vehicles, including an electric vehicle charging station on any private or public offstreet parking facility. A person may only park an electric vehicle or a vehicle properly displaying electric vehicle registration plates in an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles.

(c) Any person or local authority owning or operating any public or private offstreet parking facility may, after notifying the police or sheriff's department, remove or cause to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety any non-electric vehicle parked within an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles.

(d) It shall not be a defense to a charge under this Section that the sign or notice posted at the electric vehicle charging station or the designated parking space does not comply with applicable rules, regulations, or local ordinances, if a reasonable person would be made aware by the sign or notice on or near the parking space that the space is reserved for electric vehicles.

(e) Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of subsection (b) shall be fined $75 in addition to any costs or charges connected with the removal or storage of the non-electric vehicle; but municipalities by ordinance may impose a fine up to $100 and shall display signs indicating the fine imposed. If the amount of the fine is subsequently changed, the municipality shall change the sign to indicate the current amount of the fine.