Parking on a Public Charging Cable and Cutting the Power: A Costly Mistake in the Age of Electric Cars
As the number of electric cars (E-Autos) and public charging stations (Ladesäulen) grows in Germany, so do incidents of irresponsible driver behaviour—such as:
Parking a vehicle on a charging cable connected to another car, causing the power to cut out or the charging process to stop.
This is not only disrespectful; in some federal states it can be legally classified as a deliberate interference with public infrastructure, exposing the driver to immediate fines and, in some cases, legal proceedings.
What happens when you park on a charging cable?
When a vehicle stops on a connected cable:
The electricity flow to the charging vehicle may be interrupted
The cable can suffer mechanical damage, which can be expensive
It is considered a direct obstruction of charging infrastructure
In some cases, the behaviour is automatically recorded via cameras at smart charging stations
What legal penalty can be expected?
| Type of violation | Fine | Points in Flensburg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking in a designated charging spot without actually charging | €55–€70 | No | May be increased for repeat offences |
| Parking on an active charging cable and cutting power to another vehicle | €75–€100 | 1 point | If a service interruption is caused |
| Causing damage to the cable or the station | Up to €300 | 1–2 points | + full compensation for damages |
| Repeating the act with proven intent | Possible civil lawsuit | — | Towing may be ordered by the municipality |
Real-life example
In spring 2024 in Frankfurt, police stopped a conventional car that was parked on an active charging cable.
What happened:
Power was cut to an electric taxi charging during a work shift
The charging socket/port was damaged
The driver received a €90 fine + €280 compensation to the vehicle owner
The incident was recorded by the station’s camera and automatically sent to the municipality
What to watch out for
Do not use charging bays unless you are actually charging (often a card/sticker is required)
Do not drive over a cable—even for a few seconds
Use regular parking spaces when you only need a temporary spot
In urgent situations, make sure the cable is folded or protected before moving
Conclusion
In the era of clean energy, public charging points have become part of sensitive infrastructure, just like gas lines or internet cables.
Any careless interference—such as parking on a live charging cable—threatens safety and disrupts others, and you will bear the consequences.
Respecting a charging cable means respecting an entire system of smart, responsible mobility.
Disclaimer: The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and the review of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for verified information.
