Paju City to Change Fine Standards for Obstructing Eco-Friendly Vehicle Charging Starting February 5

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on January 30 that, in accordance with the amendment to the "Regulations on the Requirements for Eco-Friendly Vehicles," the standards for imposing fines on acts that obstruct the charging of eco-friendly vehicles will be changed.

Paju City, Notice of Change in Penalty Standards for Obstruction of Eco-Friendly Vehicle Charging and Change in Enforcement Standards for Slow Charging Zones Poster. Provided by Paju City

원본보기 아이콘

These new standards will be implemented starting February 5, following a guidance period of approximately six months. The city plans to actively promote the changes to minimize confusion among citizens and ensure the stable establishment of the system.

The main points of the revised fine standards are as follows: ▲ The maximum usage time for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in slow charging zones will be reduced; ▲ The scope of apartment complexes subject to parking time restrictions in slow charging zones will be expanded.

Previously, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were allowed to use slow charging zones for up to 14 hours. However, under the new standards, the maximum usage time will be reduced to 7 hours. Accordingly, starting February 5, 2026, if a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is parked in a slow charging zone for more than 7 hours, it will be considered an act of obstructing charging and will be subject to a fine. However, electric vehicles will still be allowed to use slow charging zones for up to 14 hours, as before.

Additionally, the scope of apartment complexes subject to parking time restrictions in slow charging zones will be expanded from those with 500 or more households to those with 100 or more households. As a result, slow charging zones installed in apartment complexes with 100 or more households will also be subject to parking time restrictions, and vehicles parked for extended periods may be subject to enforcement.

This revision is significant as it is an institutional improvement aimed at correcting charging order, allowing vehicles that actually need charging to use the facilities more efficiently. Paju City expects that this will increase the efficiency of charging facility usage and help alleviate conflicts among residents over charging zones.

An official from Paju City stated, "This change in fine standards is not intended to strengthen punishment, but to create an environment where everyone can use charging facilities fairly. We ask residents to familiarize themselves with the changes that will take effect on February 5, 2026, and to actively cooperate in establishing a proper eco-friendly vehicle charging culture."

Paju City will continue to inform residents of these changes through channels closely related to daily life, such as its website, official social media accounts, notices in apartment management offices, elevator postings, and the Bus Information System (BIS).

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.