EV charging station signage Austin guide for site owners who want clear rules, clean layouts, and code compliant hardware. This walkthrough covers ADA EV spaces, wayfinding from the street, curb and parking rules, safety labels, lighting, permit paths, City of Austin policy, plus the new MUTCD EV charging signs Austin now references. If you are planning public chargers or a private lot that welcomes guests, the details below will help you set consistent standards that drivers understand at a glance.

Which signs to use

For public facing chargers, the Federal Highway Administration added new EV panels in the MUTCD 11th edition. These bring national consistency to EV parking rules and wayfinding. Using these models in Austin helps drivers read your lot fast and it also supports enforcement. The core families are D9 for service and wayfinding, plus R7 for regulatory messages. See the MUTCD release materials and sample panels on the FHWA site for visual references and current status updates at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

Wayfinding panels that point drivers to chargers use the D9 series, such as D9 11b or D9 11bp, which include the EV pictograph. These can be placed along internal drives or used on off site boards that guide traffic toward your entry. Regulatory panels at each stall use the R7 series, such as R7 112, R7 113, and R7 114. These show rules like time limits or charging only conditions. The U S Department of Energy has a helpful explainer for EV charging station signage and enforcement practices at afdc.energy.gov.

Below are common scenarios that match the new panels to practical copy. All examples can be produced in MUTCD style with reflective sheeting and standard color sets.

Use case MUTCD ID Typical copy
General wayfinding inside the property D9 11b or D9 11bp EV Charging with directional arrow
Charging only stall with enforcement R7 113 with plaque No Parking Except While Charging with a lower plaque that reads Vehicle Must Be Plugged In
Charging only stall with time limit R7 112 or R7 112a b Electric Vehicle Parking with a lower plaque such as 2 Hour Limit during posted hours
Tow policy notice where allowed R7 201P plaque Tow Away Zone or Tow Away subject to site policy and City rules

We recommend tying your stall rule to a clear behavior. For example, use the R7 113 message as the primary panel. Pair it with the plaque text Vehicle Must Be Plugged In and a second line Vacate Stall When Charging Completed. This set creates a simple standard that matches the national model. It also supports citation or towing when paired with local policy. You can view the new EV panels in the MUTCD release materials at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

Private lots that are not open to the public do not have a strict MUTCD requirement. Even so, using MUTCD formats brings clarity for guests and vendors. It also produces a consistent look that security teams and towing vendors already recognize. The AFDC guidance outlines considerations for posting fees, time limits, and rules for publicly accessible chargers at afdc.energy.gov.

Austin rules and permits

Austin treats blocking an electric vehicle charging station as a parking violation. City communications report that enforcement started June 1 2025 with a standard fine of 50 dollars for violations. You can read the City blog update at austintexas.gov. Clear signs at each stall will help drivers see the rule before they park. For private property, add towing language if your site policy supports towing. For public right of way, coordinate with the City for any curb side placement. The City manages all public street signs.

Most permanent business signs on private property in Austin require a sign permit. If your EV signage is non illuminated and post mounted in your lot, you still may need a permit. Powered or illuminated signs will require an electrical permit and inspection as well. Structural freestanding signs may need sealed drawings. The City runs applications through the AB plus C portal. The City sign permit page covers the rules and submittal steps at austintexas.gov.

Our team helps with concept artwork, site plans, and permit packets. For a quick review of documents and submittal needs, see our Austin sign permit checklist. If you want help selecting the correct MUTCD panels, our parking signs page shows common sizes and materials we build every week.

Key takeaways for Austin sites

  • For on street installations or any work in the public right of way, coordinate with the City in advance. Private installers do not set curb side signs without City review.
  • For private lots, post rules on each EV stall with clear panels that match MUTCD layout. Add a tow notice plaque if your site enforces towing.
  • Use the same message on every EV stall to avoid confusion. Time limits must be legible from the driver side as they pull in.
  • Where you add lighting at the charging island or at wall signs, include the electrical permit in your AB plus C submittal notes.

ADA stalls and EV spaces

When a charging stall is designated as accessible, it must meet ADA geometry and posting requirements. The 2010 ADA Standards and Access Board guidance describe widths, aisle needs, and sign mounting height. The ADA page for parking is available at ada.gov and the full design standards are at ada.gov.

Key ADA items to plan for your accessible EV stall

  • Provide a wide stall with an adjacent access aisle. For cars the stall can be at least 96 inches with a 60 inch access aisle. For vans use a wider stall or a wide access aisle as permitted by the standard.
  • Post the International Symbol of Accessibility on a panel at each accessible stall. Include a Van Accessible plaque where the stall serves vans.
  • Mount the bottom of the ADA sign at 60 inches above finish grade at the head of the stall. Mount where the panel is visible even when a vehicle is parked.
  • Combine ADA messaging with EV charging rules. Add the R7 113 rule or R7 114 rule on the same post. Shoppers should see both the ISA symbol and the EV rule at one glance.
  • Confirm that clear floor space at the charging connector can be reached from the access aisle. Do not place bollards or wheel stops that block the reach range.

Sample copy for an accessible EV stall

Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging on the main panel with the ISA symbol. Add a lower plaque that reads Van Accessible where required. Add a second lower plaque that reads Vehicle Must Be Plugged In and another line Vacate Stall When Charging Completed. This stack provides clarity and supports enforcement while keeping ADA needs in view.

Wayfinding from the street

Many drivers look for a familiar pictograph or a simple arrow near the curb. If your chargers are tucked inside a garage or behind the building, plan a short approach route marked with one or two signs. The D9 11b and D9 11bp panels work well for internal direction, private street entries, and long drive aisles. Maintain simple sight lines from the property entry. If you run a larger campus, consider a campus directory with a charger icon at each building that hosts an EV bay. The AFDC signage page outlines the difference between wayfinding and regulatory messages at afdc.energy.gov.

Best practices for approach signs

  • Place the first EV directional panel where arriving drivers make the first decision. For example, at the main driveway throat or just inside the gate.
  • Use arrows that point toward the next turn. If you need two arrows on one panel, mirror the layout to match the physical route.
  • Repeat the symbol near the entrance to the charging island or garage level. A second confirmation panel helps drivers commit to the turn.
  • Keep letter counts low. A single EV symbol with an arrow is faster to read than a full sentence.

For off site wayfinding, coordination with the City or the roadway authority is required. Private parties do not add signs to public poles without approval. Where a business has a monument sign, an EV plaque or cabinet with the D9 pictograph can sit under the main panel. That option can help travelers pick your site while driving by.

Visibility and lighting

Day or night legibility matters for EV bays that operate around the clock. MUTCD sets minimum retroreflectivity for traffic signs and recommends prismatic sheeting types for post mounted signs. We recommend a prismatic sheeting that meets Type III or higher for long service life. The FHWA visibility page explains minimum retroreflectivity and asset management practices at highways.dot.gov.

Lighting at the charging island supports safety, payment tasks, and camera clarity. The FHWA lighting handbook points to methods that draw from IES parking area practices. Aim for even light at faces and at hands where connectors attach. Plan for strong vertical light levels at the kiosk where the screen or payment card reader sits. The FHWA lighting reference is available at highways.dot.gov.

Practical lighting notes you can apply

  • Set pole heights and optics to avoid glare into drivers eyes. Use distributions that put light on the stall and on the face of the charger housing.
  • Target bright but not harsh light at the connector holster and payment screen. The range of 300 to 500 lux at the face of the kiosk is a common goal for good visibility.
  • Use reflective sheeting on signs even where you add lights. The reflection helps with headlight beams when one or more fixtures are off.
  • Confirm that your illuminated sign or bollard accent lighting is listed for wet locations. Submit cutsheets with the permit packet.

If you plan energized cabinet signs, edge lit panels, or lit bollards near the charger, include wiring diagrams with your permit documents. That will help the electrical reviewer match Article 625 wiring to signage circuits and plan inspection points.

Safety labels at chargers

Charging hardware on site must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory such as UL or ETL. The installer must follow the National Electrical Code Article 625 for overcurrent protection, disconnects, cord management, and working clearance. The Authority Having Jurisdiction will look for a visible certification mark on the EVSE nameplate. A practical overview of Article 625 is posted at ecmweb.com.

We recommend a clean safety label set at each charger location

  • Manufacturer nameplate and certification mark UL or ETL in plain view. Do not cover this label with branding or wraps.
  • Operating instructions including start steps, stop steps, payment method, and a station ID number that matches your network app listing.
  • Emergency contact number for the operator or site manager. Include a local number or a staffed network line.
  • Arc flash or disconnect labels where the electrical gear requires posted warnings. Article 625 and your electrical contractor will call out placements.
  • Clear step by step hazard labels for kids or bystanders. Keep graphics simple for quick reading.

Post a small contact panel near the EVSE with your facility contact in case a car blocks the stall or a charger faults after hours. This limits dwell time by non customers and reduces conflict in peak hours.

Design checklist and specs

Strong EV signage uses durable substrates, high contrast colors, and clean type. For outdoor use in Austin sun and heat, aluminum plates with prismatic reflective film perform well for many years. We build most charging stall panels on 63 or 80 mil aluminum with radius corners and punched holes that match standard u channel posts or square posts. Retroreflective film that meets MUTCD targets keeps night time legibility high for a long period.

Items to review with your sign shop before you order

  • Final copy for each stall type. Use the same R7 rule across all EV stalls to keep the message consistent.
  • Panel size and legend. Many lots use 12 by 18 inch for standard stall rules and 18 by 24 inch where more copy is needed.
  • Plaque stack. Decide the order from top to bottom. For example main R7 113 rule on top, time limit plaque next, then a tow plaque.
  • Post type and base. Round or square posts with tamper resistant hardware. Consider a sleeve set in concrete to allow fast replacement if a panel is hit.
  • Mounting height. Aim for the bottom of the primary panel at about 60 inches above grade at the stall head. Higher mount may be needed in snow markets, not typical for Austin.
  • Finish and vandal resistance. Request anti graffiti laminate for high traffic sites. We also provide tamper resistant fasteners and post caps.

For branded projects, we can add your logo on a wayfinding panel while keeping the regulatory panels in MUTCD style. That balance gives you visibility without losing the standard look that drivers recognize. View typical materials and sizes on our parking signs page.

If you want a quick visual of your site layout, ask for a free custom mockup. We will drop your copy into the correct MUTCD panel shapes and show a stall by stall plan so you can review placement with your installer.

Permit steps in Austin

EV stall panels on private property frequently need a sign permit in Austin. Illumination or any powered cabinet always requires an electrical permit. A simple set of documents will speed the review in the AB plus C portal. The City sign permit page is available at austintexas.gov and our in depth overview is posted as the Austin sign permit checklist.

Typical submittal package for EV signage

  • Site plan that shows each EV stall, access aisles, sidewalks, and the sign posts with callouts for height and setbacks.
  • Sign schedule listing each panel with copy, MUTCD ID, size, and material. Include reflective film callouts and mounting details.
  • Photos of existing conditions where each post will sit. This helps the reviewer see setbacks from drives and walkways.
  • If there is lighting or powered signs, include an electrical one line and fixture or sign spec sheets. Add a note referencing NEC Article 625 for EVSE wiring and disconnects.
  • In historic or special districts, add any district specific review documents that the City requests.

Right of way submittals have separate steps. Work with the City when any pole sits in public ROW. For private lots, our team can package the drawings and submit on your behalf.

Example sign setups

Use these model stacks to speed design. We build these weekly for site owners across Austin. Wording can be tuned to your hours, customer policy, or network rules.

Retail center with two Level 2 stalls

Main panel at each stall

No Parking Except While Charging

Lower plaque one

Vehicle Must Be Plugged In

Lower plaque two

Vacate Stall When Charging Completed

Lower plaque three if towing applies

Tow Away Zone

Notes

  • Add D9 11b directional signs from the main entry to the charger island.
  • If you want time turnover during peak hours, use R7 112a b for part time limits such as 2 Hour Limit 8 AM to 8 PM.

Office garage with guests and employees

Main panel

Electric Vehicle Parking

Lower plaque one

While Charging Only

Lower plaque two

Four Hour Limit

Accessible stall variant

Add the ISA symbol with Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging plus a Van Accessible plaque where required. Keep the Vehicle Must Be Plugged In plaque in the stack to support the charging rule.

Hotel guest parking

Main panel

Electric Vehicle Charging Only

Lower plaque

Guests Only

Lower plaque

Vehicle Must Be Plugged In

Notes

  • If parking is shared with retail, consider a time limit plaque for day hours and a guests only plaque overnight.

Public fast charging site

Approach boards

D9 11b panels at driveway choices with arrows. Add a branded ID cabinet near the entry with the EV pictograph for quick recognition.

Stall panels

Use No Parking Except While Charging as the main panel. Add Vehicle Must Be Plugged In and if needed a network hours plaque such as Open 6 AM to 10 PM. Time limits can speed turnover for DC fast charge bays.

Notes

  • Post a rate card near the kiosk with price, idle fees, and a station ID. The AFDC resource explains why pricing visibility helps drivers at afdc.energy.gov.

Mixed use garage with valet

Main panel

Electric Vehicle Parking

Lower plaque

While Charging Only

Lower plaque

Valet Managed

Notes

  • Place valet contact info near the charger and at the garage entry. Add a simple D9 11b arrow to the valet desk for drivers who self park and then seek help.

In each setup above, keep the copy short. A clear main rule on top, then a behavior plaque, then a time or tow plaque if needed. Use consistent sizes for a clean look throughout the property.

EV signage quick checklist

Project teams in Austin often ask for a single page list to move a site from concept to install. Use this as a simple pass fail checklist before you order hardware or submit for permits. If you want a formatted PDF, we can send it by email on request.

  • Site plan with charger stalls, access aisles, ADA route to the main entry, and bollards or wheel stops if planned.
  • Sign schedule with MUTCD IDs such as D9 11b, R7 113, R7 112, plaque copy for time limits and tow notices, panel sizes, sheeting type.
  • Photo sheet with a simple photo at each proposed sign location. Stand where the post will be and face the stall or drive aisle.
  • Electrical one line for any lit signage plus EVSE Article 625 notes if you are submitting the charging project together with signage.
  • NRTL listing proof such as a data sheet showing UL or ETL for each EVSE model on site.
  • Lighting cut sheets or a basic photometric if you are adding poles near the charging island. Include fixture model and distribution type.

We can package the items above for you and handle submittal. Reach out with the stall count, site address, and any photos you have. Our staff will return a plan with a fixed price for signage and posts, plus a permit service if needed.

Why match MUTCD formats

Drivers move faster through a lot when key panels look familiar. MUTCD layouts use consistent colors, borders, and pictographs. When your EV rules use that look, drivers understand at a glance. Using these formats also helps security or towing partners apply site policy. The FHWA resource for the latest MUTCD release is at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. The AFDC resource adds practical notes for pricing and enforcement at afdc.energy.gov.

If you prefer a branded style for marketing pieces, apply that look on approach signs or at the kiosk face. Keep the regulatory stall panels in MUTCD style. This split lets you communicate both brand and rules without confusion.

Service from Austin Sign Co

You can trust our shop for EV charging station signage Austin businesses can deploy with confidence. We print in house on durable aluminum with high grade reflective film. We field measure, lay out posts, and prepare drawings that match city requirements. We also help with applications and HOA or landlord review. Start with a free custom mockup or request a quote.

Need examples of traffic rated products and hardware we stock every week. See our parking signs resource page. For permitting steps and timelines, save our Austin sign permit checklist. If you would like a short consult on MUTCD EV charging signs Austin inspectors will recognize, our project managers are happy to help.

Citations and resources

Need EV charging station signage Austin drivers will read the first time Send your site plan and we will return a sign schedule with MUTCD IDs, sizes, and a fixed price. Ask for a free custom mockup to see your message in place before you buy.

Last reviewed September 2025. Codes and standards change. Always verify current City policies, MUTCD releases, ADA Standards, and NEC requirements during planning.