Charging Station Blocked? Here’s What to Do
You arrive, but the charging station is blocked and your battery is almost empty? That’s frustrating, but solvable. In Germany, it is clearly regulated who is allowed to park at designated charging spots and what happens if someone uses them unlawfully. Here you can read step by step how to proceed and what rights you have.
What can I do if the charging station is blocked?
First, check the signage on site. A parking space with the additional sign “Electric vehicles during charging” is reserved exclusively for EVs that are actually charging. If an EV charging station is blocked, document the situation with date, time, license plate, and photos. Note whether a cable is plugged in and whether a parking disc or time limit applies. This helps you stay organized and provides evidence if authorities need to intervene.
Legal classification and fines
Parking without charging is considered an administrative offense and can result in a penalty—usually in the form of a fine, which may vary depending on the situation and signage. If other road users are obstructed, authorities often treat the violation more seriously and may issue warnings, arrange for the vehicle to be moved, or in justified cases even have it towed away.
Please also note that many municipalities further specify the use of charging spaces with additional signs such as “maximum parking duration” or “mandatory parking disc.” Therefore, always check the signage on site and act accordingly to ensure your use remains compliant.
Contact authorities: When combustion cars or illegal parkers block the spot
If the charging station is blocked or occupied by a combustion engine vehicle, first secure evidence and then inform the responsible public order office. Describe the situation on site and present your documentation. The authority will then decide on further measures such as issuing a warning to the offender or arranging for the vehicle to be moved or towed. Outside office hours or in case of urgent obstruction, contact the police. In emergencies, use the emergency number; in less urgent cases, call the local station.
Contact the operator and report the issue
Use the hotline or app of the charging provider to report the station as blocked. Many operators can log incidents, notify the site owner, or assist with technical issues. Also check in the app whether a session is active or if the station is listed as available. This saves time and helps you assess the situation.
Understanding and avoiding blocking fees
The blocking fee at a charging station is a provider’s time-based tariff and not an official penalty. It usually applies after a short grace period or once charging is completed, to prevent charging points from being occupied unnecessarily. It’s best to vacate the spot as soon as your charging session ends so others can charge. This way, you avoid extra costs and contribute to fair usage.
Get connected faster with the JOLT app
Check real-time availability in the JOLT app before you depart to avoid unnecessary detours. You can see which fast-charging stations are free, occupied, or under maintenance. Use the app to start and stop your charging session. You can also quickly find the nearest available high-power charger. This way, you charge efficiently, save time, and avoid driving to an unavailable station.