Q&A on the News

Q: Some stores’ parking lots now have charging spots for electric cars, and they are clearly marked as such. I always see non-electric cars parked in these spots though, mostly because these spaces are close to the door. Can you be ticketed for this, and if so what is the fine? —Shirley Pyle, Dallas

A: Many businesses, universities and organizations with charging stations maintain and enforce their own rules when a non-electric car parks in one of their vehicle charging spaces.

For example, Georgia Tech requires a special permit for electric cars, and charges a $50 fine for anyone parking in a charging space without the correct pass.

Kroger, which has electric vehicle stations at many of its stores statewide, also manages these spots itself.

“Our parking lots are monitored, and our associates and security team work hard to enforce proper parking procedures, which includes Kroger reserving the right to tow or boot non-electronic vehicles parking in the electronic vehicle charging stations,” Felix Turner, the corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta division, told Q&A on the News. Ponce City Market in Atlanta also handles the parking violations like any other and issues a ticket, a spokesman for the mixeduse development told Q&A on the News.

Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; Dillon Thompson contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).