Your rights at public chargers (UK rules)
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 set minimum standards for public chargers in the UK. They came into force in late 2023, with most requirements phased in over the following year or two.
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Contactless payment | Rapid chargers (50 kW and above) and new public chargers of 8 kW and above must accept contactless cards |
| Price in pence per kWh | The total cost must be shown clearly per kWh before you start |
| 99% reliability | Each operator's rapid chargers must work at least 99% of the time on average |
| 24-hour helpline | A free, staffed phone line, available round the clock and shown at the charger |
| Open data | Operators must publish live availability, location and prices so apps can show them |
| Roaming | Operators must let you pay through at least one roaming provider |
| Penalties | Up to £10,000 per charge point for breaches |
How to use these rules
- If a charger shows no price, you are entitled to see it before charging. Use another charger or call the helpline.
- If the helpline is not answered, or a rapid charger is broken for a long time, report it to the operator and keep a record.
Tesla Superchargers are covered by the same law as other public rapid chargers.