California’s New Daylighting Law: Improving Safety at Intersections

Starting January 1, 2025, the California’s new daylighting law (AB 413) will go into effect statewide, introducing critical changes to parking regulations at intersections. The goal? To save lives and reduce accidents by increasing visibility at crosswalks for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Here’s what you need to know about this landmark legislation and how it aims to make California roads safer.

What Is California’s New Daylighting Law?

The daylighting law prohibits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, at all intersections across the state. This rule applies even in the absence of red curbs or “no parking” signs.

The law seeks to improve what traffic experts refer to as “daylight” visibility—the clear line of sight drivers need to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users near crosswalks. By requiring this clearance, the legislation aims to significantly reduce pedestrian-involved crashes and save lives.

Why Is Daylighting Important?

Increased visibility at intersections is proven to enhance road safety. Studies show that improving visibility at crosswalks can reduce pedestrian crashes by a significant margin. With California reporting a high rate of pedestrian-related accidents each year, the new law addresses a critical public safety concern.

The 20-foot parking restriction translates to roughly one and a half car lengths of clearance, given that the average vehicle in the United States is about 14 feet long. This extra space can make the difference between a near-miss and a collision.

Key Details of the Daylighting Law

To help you navigate this new law, here are the key points:

1. Statewide Scope

• The law applies uniformly across all intersections in California.
• It doesn’t matter if there are no parking signs or painted curbs—20 feet of clearance is mandatory.

2. Enforcement Timeline

• Police will issue warnings during the first 60 days, from January 1 through February 29, 2025.
• Starting March 1, 2025, violators will face a $65 fine, plus a $12.50 administrative fee, totaling $77.50.

3. Alignment with Other States

• California joins 43 other states with similar daylighting laws, most of which prohibit parking within 20 feet of intersections.

Benefits of the California Daylighting Law

The daylighting law provides numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Visibility: Drivers will have a clearer view of crosswalks and oncoming traffic, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
• Safer Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrians, skateboarders, and cyclists can navigate intersections with increased confidence.
• Uniformity Across Intersections: The rule simplifies parking laws by eliminating confusion about marked versus unmarked crosswalks.

What If You Get a Ticket?

If you accidentally park too close to a crosswalk, you could face a fine after the warning period ends. While $77.50 may not seem steep, recurring violations can add up. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or have questions about your rights, hiring a traffic attorney can be a wise choice.

Traffic attorneys can help:

• Contest tickets based on unclear markings or improper enforcement.
• Protect your driving record from accumulating points.
• Navigate the appeals process effectively.

If you need legal assistance, TicketVoid.com offers a free, no-obligation attorney matching service to connect you with qualified professionals who specialize in traffic law.

What You’ve Learned

The California daylighting law is a step toward safer roads and intersections, aiming to reduce accidents by improving visibility at crosswalks. With warnings issued initially and fines beginning March 1, 2025, now is the time to adjust your parking habits.

By understanding and complying with the new regulations, motorists can contribute to a safer environment for all road users. And if you ever face legal issues related to parking violations or traffic laws, TicketVoid.com is here to help with a free attorney matching service.