California Daylighting Law: What You Need to Know

California’s New Daylighting Law

california daylighting law

Daylighting involves removing parked cars next to crosswalks to help increase the field of view for drivers and pedestrians. Starting January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to park within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of if the curb is painted red.

California is late in the game, as 43 states already have similar measures that ban parking near crosswalks. In cities like San Francisco, fines for violating this law start at $40. Read on to learn more about California’s daylighting law.

 

What Is Daylighting?

unmarked or marked crosswalk
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)

California’s new daylighting law, AB 413, amends Section 22500 of the California Vehicle Code. This new section prohibits “stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension. This rule applies to both painted and unpainted crosswalks. Twenty feet is about the length of a standard parking space or one large car length.

Drivers pulling up to a crosswalk may have difficulty seeing pedestrians near crosswalks if parked cars are blocking their field of view. This change will allow drivers to see the entire crosswalk, which can help prevent collisions. It may make it harder to find curbside parking in some areas, but advocates say Advocates say the change will make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Cities like San Francisco are working quickly to paint curbs red and add signage to deter vehicles from parking too close to intersections. According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the curbs have already been painted red at many busy or high-injury intersections.

 

Will the Daylighting Law Reduce Pedestrian Deaths?

On-street parking often reduces visibility between drivers and pedestrians, particularly for children. One of the most common causes of midblock pedestrian accidents in residential areas occurs when pedestrians dart out. Studies have shown that restricting on-street parking in areas with high pedestrian activity can enhance visibility and improve pedestrian safety.

The law also prevents drivers from parking too close to corners, which is another common cause of pedestrian crossing accidents. By ensuring better visibility and enforcing parking prohibition signs, the daylighting law may help decrease fatal accidents, especially in bustling urban areas.

 

California Pedestrian Accident Statistics

intersection in san francisco, CA

Nearly 20 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle crashes each day across the US. According to data gathered by UC Berkeley, between 2011 and 2021, pedestrian deaths increased by 65.8%.

California has a pedestrian fatality rate almost 25% higher than the national average.

  • In 2021 nationwide, 17% (or 7388) of all motor vehicle fatalities were pedestrians.
  • In 2021, there were 4,285 traffic fatalities in California. About 26% (or 1,108) of the deaths were pedestrians.

In 2021, about 91% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred in urban areas. Increased traffic congestion, driver negligence, and inadequate street safety measures contribute to this alarming trend. A significant number of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections with poor visibility.

In 2022, 16% percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at intersections. Pedestrians often face the danger of drivers running red lights or turning without yielding.

 

When Does the Daylighting Law Go Into Effect?

officer writing a ticket for illegal parking

Starting November 11, 2024, cities, including San Francisco, began issuing written warnings for vehicles parked within 20 feet of any crosswalk in the direction of approaching traffic.

In the lead-up to full enforcement, city transportation officials are focusing on education and warning drivers about the implications of the law. However, starting January 1, 2025, cities across the state will begin issuing citations to comply with California law.

During this transition, red curbs will be painted, and signs will be posted to notify drivers of new parking zone regulations.

How to Avoid a Warning or Citation

To avoid warnings or fines under the California daylighting law, drivers should be aware of the parking prohibition sign and keep a safe distance from corners at intersections. Always ensure that your vehicle is parked about the length of one large car length away from any marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk. 

Be vigilant about red curbs painted near intersections, as these indicate no-parking zones. Parking regulations are enforced not only to comply with the law but also to enhance street safety for pedestrians and other road users.

 

Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a driver’s negligence, you may be able to seek financial compensation in a personal injury claim. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact of auto accidents on victims and their families. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers can help you hold the at-fault party liable for their negligence or wrongdoing.

Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys fights for injured victims and seeks maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. We maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation.

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