Electric Vehicle Signage Regulation

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Signage on Interstates and Freeways

To qualify for signing on interstates and freeways, a charging station must be located within three miles of the interchange. A telephone must also be available for public use (but this requirement may be waived if a public telephone is otherwise available in the vicinity of the interchange). The signing criteria are based principally upon the number of hours during the day that the particular service is available; since directional signing for these services is visible at all times, it is important that the services be available for the majority of the day.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Signage on Other State Highways

Services are generally located within sight of the highway and therefore do not require signing (currently, an exception is being made for alternative fuel signing, which includes EV charging). Traveler services signing may be installed if an investigation establishes a need for a particular sign (for example, the service is not readily visible from the highway in advance of the access to the service). Signing criteria are otherwise the same as for Interstates and Freeways above.

Specific Signage Regulations for DC Fast (or Level 3) Charging Stations

To qualify for a sign, the charging station must be available for use at least 12 hours per day, seven days a week. Services must also have a public restroom and drinking water, but demonstrating access to at least two locations with these services within a safe, 5-minute walking distance may be substituted for on-site facilities.

Mainline and ramp signing is to be provided on Interstate highways and other full freeways for any station offering EV Fast-Charging services. Signs must be located within one mile of the charging station in urban areas and within three miles in rural areas. Signs are not to be installed unless the availability of the charging service is clearly displayed at the participating station, or has been verified to meet the minimum signing criteria identified on the Station Verification Form for EV Fast-Charging Stations. The station must also be on the crossroad or readily visible from the crossroad to qualify, unless it has existing trailblazer signs. No trailblazer signs are to be installed specifically for this program.

The sign used to indicate electric vehicle charging stations on our highways is D09-11b under the federal classification system.

Download DC Fast Charger Verification Form