Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in spaces for electric vehicles as part of little-known penalties introduced in four states and territories.

The fines, some of them added to road rules late last year, range from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria.

But experts say the heavy penalties are important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers doing the equivalent of parking "in front of a fuel bowser".

The fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, in an act known as "ICEing" for its use of internal combustion engine cars.

But the penalties also apply to electric car drivers who occupy the parking spots while not actually recharging their vehicles.

NSW Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the offence to "support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads".

The ACT, NSW and Queensland introduced the steepest fines for blocking access to charging stations, with a maximum fine of 20 penalty units.

But due to different unit prices, drivers in the ACT could be fined up to $3,200, in NSW it could cost $2,200 and in Queensland it could cost drivers $2,875.

The Victorian fine for misusing an electric vehicle charging space is two penalty units, or $369.

Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president Chris Jones said while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate members of the public who may not have considered the repercussions.

"No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch," he said.