As electric vehicles become an increasingly familiar sight in UK car parks, more businesses are introducing dedicated parking bays and charging facilities for employees, customers and visitors.

Whether you manage a retail park, office building, hotel, warehouse, residential development or private car park, clear EV Charging Bay Signs help drivers identify the correct spaces and understand how they are intended to be used.

However, not every electric vehicle parking notice communicates the same message.

An EV Parking Only Sign identifies a space reserved for electric vehicles, while an EV Charging Only Sign indicates that the bay is intended for vehicles using the charging facilities.

Choosing the correct wording, sign size and mounting position can help reduce confusion and make your charging arrangements easier to understand.

This practical UK guide explains the different types of EV parking and charging signs, where to display them and what businesses should consider before ordering.

Why Are EV Charging Bay Signs Important?

Installing an electric vehicle charging point is only one part of providing a suitable charging facility.

Drivers also need to know where the equipment is located, which bays are designated for charging and whether any parking restrictions apply.

Appropriate signage can help:

Identify electric vehicle charging bays.
Distinguish EV parking from active charging spaces.
Direct drivers towards charging facilities.
Communicate customer, visitor or staff restrictions.
Reduce confusion over the intended use of designated bays.
Identify charging equipment in larger car parks.
Reinforce site-specific parking arrangements.

The objective is to communicate a clear and consistent message before somebody parks.

Which EV Charging Signs Should Businesses Display?

The correct selection depends on the purpose of your parking spaces, the type of charging equipment and who is permitted to use it.

Here are the main options.

1. EV Charging Only Signs

An EV Charging Only Sign identifies a bay intended for electric vehicles using the charging facilities.

This is a useful choice where you want to distinguish an active charging space from general electric vehicle parking.

Typical messages include:

EV Charging Only.
Electric Vehicle Charging Only.
Electric Vehicle Charging Bay.
Charging Vehicles Only.

These signs may be suitable for:

Supermarkets.
Retail parks.
Hotels.
Offices.
Business parks.
Commercial car parks.
Leisure facilities.

Position the sign so drivers can identify the designated bay before parking.

If a maximum stay, charging condition or additional restriction applies, communicate that information separately and accurately.

2. EV Parking Only Signs

An EV Parking Only Sign identifies a space reserved for electric vehicles.

This doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle must be connected to a charger.

The distinction is important when deciding which sign to purchase.

For example, a business might provide a dedicated EV parking section without installing charging equipment at every space.

In this situation, EV Parking Only may communicate the intended arrangement more accurately than EV Charging Only.

3. Electric Vehicle Charging Point Signs

An Electric Vehicle Charging Point Sign identifies the location of the charging equipment itself.

These notices may be useful where chargers are installed:

Against a wall.
On a dedicated post.
Within a multi-storey car park.
Alongside several parking bays.
In a separate charging area.

A prominent sign can make the facility easier to recognise, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the premises.

4. EV Charging Directional Signs

In larger car parks, the charging facilities may not be immediately visible from the entrance.

EV Charging Directional Signs help guide drivers towards the correct area.

Common messages include:

EV Charging Left.
EV Charging Right.
Electric Vehicle Charging Ahead.
EV Charging Point with Directional Arrow.

Consider positioning these notices at:

Car park entrances.
Internal junctions.
Access roads.
Multi-storey car park intersections.
Entrances to separate parking sections.

Make sure the arrow points towards the correct route from the driver's normal approach.

5. Staff EV Charging Signs

Some businesses provide electric vehicle charging exclusively for employees or company vehicles.

Where access is restricted, suitable wording may include:

Staff EV Charging Only.
Authorised Vehicles Only.
Fleet Vehicle Charging.
Employee EV Charging.

These notices help distinguish private workplace charging facilities from equipment intended for customers or members of the public.

Avoid displaying Public EV Charging signage where the equipment isn't available for public use.

6. Customer & Visitor EV Charging Signs

Businesses may also provide charging facilities for customers and visitors.

Relevant wording could include:

Customer EV Charging Only.
Visitor EV Charging.
Electric Vehicle Charging for Customers.
EV Charging – Please Report to Reception.

Choose the message according to your actual parking and charging arrangements.

Where additional conditions apply, make sure they are communicated clearly.

7. EV Charging Time Limit Signs

Some charging bays have maximum parking or charging periods.

Where appropriate, a notice can communicate the relevant restriction.

For example:

EV Charging Only – Maximum Stay 2 Hours.
Charging Vehicles Only.
EV Charging – Parking Restrictions Apply.

The wording must reflect the actual arrangements at the site.

If your business operates a formal private parking enforcement scheme, additional contractual signage requirements may apply.

A standard EV Charging Only product shouldn't automatically be treated as a complete parking enforcement notice.

EV Parking Only vs EV Charging Only: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most important considerations when selecting your signs.

Sign wording	What it communicates
EV Parking Only	The space is designated for electric vehicles.
EV Charging Only	The space is intended for electric vehicles using the charging facilities.
Electric Vehicle Charging Point	Identifies the location of charging equipment.
Customer EV Charging	Identifies charging intended for customers, subject to any displayed conditions.
Staff EV Charging Only	Communicates a workplace-specific access restriction.
EV Charging with Arrow	Directs drivers towards the charging area.

If you want charging bays to remain available for vehicles actively using the chargers, EV Charging Only is generally clearer than EV Parking Only.

However, the wording should always match your actual parking policy.

Where Should EV Charging Bay Signs Be Displayed?

Correct positioning is just as important as selecting the right message.

Directly in Front of the Charging Bay

A sign positioned in front of an individual EV charging space can help drivers identify the correct bay.

Suitable mounting positions may include:

A wall.
A fence.
A dedicated signpost.
A suitable fixed structure.

Make sure the notice remains visible when neighbouring bays are occupied.

Beside the Charging Equipment

Where practical, position an identification sign close to the charger.

This can help drivers recognise the facility and distinguish it from surrounding parking spaces.

Avoid obstructing the equipment, controls or access routes.

At the Car Park Entrance

Where EV charging is available, an entrance notice can help drivers identify the facility before navigating the parking area.

This is particularly useful at retail parks, hotels, leisure centres and larger commercial premises.

At Relevant Junctions

Directional signs may be useful where drivers must turn or travel through several sections before reaching the chargers.

Position notices before the relevant decision point rather than after it.

In Multi-Storey Car Parks

Where charging is available on a particular level, consider whether the floor number and directional information should be communicated.

For example:

EV Charging – Level 2

Ensure the message remains consistent throughout the route.

Should Every EV Charging Bay Have Its Own Sign?

Not necessarily.

The correct number of notices depends on the layout, number of charging points and how clearly the designated spaces can be identified.

A small group of adjacent charging bays may be adequately identified by prominent shared signage.

However, individual notices may be useful where:

EV charging bays are separated.
Charging spaces sit alongside ordinary parking.
Different charging restrictions apply.
The charging equipment isn't immediately visible.
Parked vehicles could obscure a shared sign.

The objective is to remove uncertainty about which spaces are intended for charging.

What Colour Should EV Charging Signs Be?

EV parking and charging signs commonly use green, blue or other high-contrast designs, often incorporating an electric vehicle or charging symbol.

The most important consideration is that the message is clear, recognisable and suitable for its intended application.

General parking identification signs on private premises should also be distinguished from prescribed public-road traffic signs.

Where a sign is intended for use on a public highway, the relevant traffic sign requirements and highway authority arrangements must be considered.

What Size EV Charging Sign Should I Choose?

Choose a sign size appropriate for the intended viewing distance.

A notice positioned directly in front of an individual bay may have different requirements from a directional sign intended to be recognised from an access road.

Consider:

Viewing distance.
Vehicle approach speed.
Mounting height.
Symbol and text size.
Lighting conditions.
Background contrast.
Potential obstructions.

Make sure the wording can be understood before the driver needs to make a parking decision.

Choosing Materials for Outdoor EV Charging Signs

EV charging facilities are frequently installed outdoors, where signs may be exposed to rain, wind, sunlight and changing temperatures.

Choose a material suitable for the intended location.

Depending on the product, options may include:

Rigid Recycled Plastic: A practical option for suitable general parking applications.

Aluminium Composite: A durable choice for suitable longer-term outdoor installations.

Also consider the mounting surface and fixing method.

For permanent charging facilities, signage should remain securely installed, visible and legible throughout its intended use.

Are EV Charging Bay Signs a Legal Requirement in the UK?

Requirements depend on the type of charging facility, where it is located and whether it is accessible to the public.

There is an important distinction between general EV parking identification signs and the information required from operators of publicly accessible charging equipment.

Private Workplace Charging

A business may install charging facilities exclusively for employees or fleet vehicles.

In this situation, suitable EV Parking or EV Charging Signs can help communicate how the designated spaces should be used.

The signage should support the workplace's parking and traffic management arrangements.

Publicly Accessible Charging Points

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 introduce requirements for operators of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points.

Depending on the type of equipment and operator, these cover matters including pricing transparency, payment, reliability, customer support and charge point data.

For example, relevant public charging operators must display pricing clearly in pence per kilowatt hour.

These requirements concern the charging service and aren't automatically satisfied by installing a generic EV Charging Only Sign.

Businesses should review the applicable regulations and operator responsibilities separately.

Private Parking Enforcement

Where a business intends to impose contractual parking restrictions or charges, additional signage requirements may apply.

A general EV Charging Only or Electric Vehicles Only notice shouldn't automatically be treated as a complete contractual parking enforcement sign.

If your site operates a formal parking scheme, ensure the displayed terms accurately reflect the arrangements and applicable requirements.

Accessibility & EV Charging Bay Signage

Accessibility should be considered when planning electric vehicle charging facilities.

This includes how drivers and passengers approach the equipment, move between the vehicle and charger, and access the relevant controls.

The location of signs should not create unnecessary obstructions or interfere with accessible routes.

BSI's PAS 1899 provides guidance on accessible public charging infrastructure.

Remember that a sign alone doesn't make a charging bay accessible.

The wider layout, equipment position, cable management and other relevant design considerations must also be addressed.

Common EV Charging Signage Mistakes

Avoid these frequent problems:

Using EV Parking Only when the restriction actually concerns active charging.
Failing to identify the charging bays clearly.
Positioning signs where parked vehicles obscure them.
Installing directional signs after the relevant junction.
Using incorrect directional arrows.
Displaying signs that are too small for the viewing distance.
Failing to communicate relevant time limits or access restrictions.
Suggesting charging is publicly available when it is restricted to staff.
Leaving outdated notices in place after charging arrangements change.
Using generic EV parking signs as a substitute for applicable charging service or contractual information.

Printable EV Charging Bay Sign Checklist

Use this checklist when reviewing your premises or ordering replacement signs.

Charging Bay Identification

EV charging bays are clearly identified.
EV Charging Only or EV Parking Only wording is appropriate.
Charging equipment is easy to recognise.
Individual bays are clearly distinguished where necessary.
Customer, visitor or staff restrictions are communicated accurately.

Directional Signage

EV charging location is identifiable from the car park entrance.
Directional signs are provided where necessary.
Arrows point the correct way.
Relevant junctions have been reviewed.
Multi-storey locations are clearly identified where applicable.

Parking & Charging Restrictions

Any applicable charging-only restriction is communicated.
Relevant time limits are displayed where necessary.
Staff or customer access restrictions are accurate.
Public charging information meets applicable requirements.
Contractual parking terms are displayed appropriately where relevant.

Installation

Sign size suits the intended viewing distance.
Outdoor materials are appropriate.
Fixings are secure.
Notices remain visible when nearby bays are occupied.
Signs don't obstruct access to charging equipment.
Accessible routes have been considered.

Maintenance & Review

Signs remain clean and legible.
Damaged or faded notices are replaced.
Wording reflects the current charging arrangements.
Directional signage is updated if chargers are relocated.
Additional notices are provided when new charging bays are installed.

Important: This checklist supports EV parking and charging sign selection. It doesn't replace suitable charging infrastructure, electrical safety arrangements, accessibility considerations or any applicable public charge point and private parking requirements.

A Simple EV Charging Signage Walkthrough

One of the easiest ways to review your signage is to approach the premises as though you're an EV driver visiting for the first time.

Start at the main car park entrance and follow the normal vehicle route.

Ask yourself:

Can I identify where the EV charging facilities are located?
Are the directional arrows clear?
Can I recognise which bays are designated for charging?
Is it clear whether the spaces are for active charging or general EV parking?
Are any time limits or access restrictions communicated?
Can I reach the charging equipment without unnecessary obstruction?
Are the signs visible and in good condition?

If the answers aren't immediately clear, review the position, wording or quantity of your existing notices.

Shop EV Parking & Charging Signs at Safety Sheep

Safety Sheep supplies EV Parking Signs, Electric Vehicle Charging Signs and Car Park Notices for UK businesses, retail premises, offices, warehouses, residential developments, schools and private car parks.

Our range includes:

EV Charging Only Signs.
Electric Vehicle Parking Signs.
Electric Vehicle Charging Point Signs.
EV Parking Bay Signs.
EV Charging Directional Signs.
Customer & Visitor Parking Signs.
Reserved Parking Signs.
Car Park Directional Notices.

Choose from a selection of sizes and durable materials suitable for different outdoor environments.

Made in Britain, with bulk savings available for businesses and trade customers.

Explore our complete range of Car Park Signs & Notices and make your electric vehicle charging facilities easier to identify.

Think Safety. Think Sheep.

EV Charging Bay Signs: What Should UK Businesses Display?