California's New Daylighting Law (AB 413)

Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), known as the "Daylighting Law," is a California statute aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections. The law prohibits parking within 20 feet of the approaching side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of curb markings, or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This measure ensures that both pedestrians and drivers have a clear line of sight, reducing the risk of accidents.

 Daylighting with no red curb before the crosswalk

California Assembly Bill 413 was signed into law in October 2023. Specifically, the law:

• Creates a new section of the Vehicle Code, CVC 22500(n), which prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension anywhere in California.
• On a two-way street, only the space on the right-side approaching a crosswalk as one is driving is affected. However, on a one-way street, both the left and the right curb areas 20 feet from the crosswalk are no parking zones.
• Prior to January 1, 2025, local jurisdictions may only issue warnings for violations, and may not issue citations unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.
• Starting January 1, 2025, local jurisdictions may begin issuing citations, whether or not signs or paint are present.

For more information on Assembly Bill 413, visit the California Legislature website.

Parking is allowed AFTER a crosswalk:

• Parking is allowed after you pass a crosswalk so long as there are no other markings or signs restricting parking.

The implementation of AB 413 aligns with California's Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. By restricting parking near crosswalks, the law enhances visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, contributing to safer streets statewide.