What can I do if the charging station is blocked?

Charging station blocked? Here's how to respond

You arrive, but the charging station is blocked and your battery is almost empty? That is frustrating, but it can be resolved. In Germany, the rules clearly state who may park in designated charging spaces and what happens if someone uses them unlawfully. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can do and what rights you have.

What can I do if a charging station is blocked?

First, check the signs on site. A parking space with a supplementary sign reading “Electric vehicles while charging” is reserved exclusively for EVs that are actually charging. If an EV charging station is blocked, document the situation with the date, time, registration number and photographs. Note whether a cable is plugged in and whether a parking disc or time limit applies. This gives you a clear record and evidence should the authorities need to intervene.

Legal rules and fines

Parking without charging is an administrative offence and can result in a penalty, usually a fine that varies according to the circumstances and signage. If other road users are obstructed, authorities often treat the violation more seriously and may issue warnings, order the vehicle to be moved or, in justified cases, even have it towed away.

Please also note that many municipalities specify the use of charging bays with supplementary signs such as 'Maximum parking duration' or 'Parking disc required'. Check the signs on site and act accordingly to ensure you comply with the rules.

Contact the authorities when a combustion car or illegal parker blocks access

If a charging station is blocked by a parked vehicle or a combustion-engine car, first document the evidence and then notify the responsible local regulatory authority. Describe the situation at the site and show your records. The authority will decide what further steps to take, such as issuing a warning to the driver blocking the charger or moving or towing the illegally parked vehicle. Outside office hours or if there is an acute obstruction, contact the police. Use the emergency number in dangerous situations; for less urgent cases, call the local police station.

Contact the operator and report the problem

Use the charging provider's hotline or app to report that the charger is blocked. Many operators can record the incident, inform the site operator or help with technical faults. Also check the app to see whether a session is active or the charger is listed as available. This saves time and helps you assess the situation.

Understanding and avoiding idle fees

An idle fee at a charging station is a time-based charge set by the provider, not an official fine. It usually applies after a short grace period or once charging has finished, so that charging points do not remain occupied unnecessarily. Move your car as soon as charging is complete to let others charge. This helps you avoid extra costs and keeps things fair for everyone.

Get charging faster with the JOLT app

Check live availability in the JOLT app before setting off to avoid unnecessary detours. You can see in real time which fast-charging stations are available, occupied or under maintenance. You can start and stop charging in the app. You can also find the nearest available high-power charger with a tap. This way you can charge with confidence, get going sooner and avoid a wasted trip to a charging point.