NC H296

Adds definition of "electric vehicle charging station" to North Carolina law as a public or private parking space with charging equipment for transferring electric energy to an electric vehicle's battery or energy storage device.

Prohibits parking a vehicle in a designated electric vehicle charging station unless the vehicle is an electric vehicle actively connected to the charging equipment for charging purposes.

Requires electric vehicle charging stations to be marked with vertical signage identifying the space as an EV charging station, consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Establishes violation as an infraction subject to a $100 fine and preempts local ordinances from imposing different penalties for unauthorized parking in EV charging stations.

Becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.