On January 1, 2025, California implemented Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), officially adopting daylighting parking standards. This law, which aligns California with 40 other states, is a significant step towards enhancing driver visibility and intersection safety. By emphasizing the importance of increased visibility in reducing accidents, AB 413 reassures us of our safety on the road.
Daylighting refers to the practice of restricting parking near crosswalks and intersections to create clear sightlines for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. By limiting obstruction near these critical areas, California's new daylighting law ensures safer decision-making for all road users.
Simply put, the new daylighting law aims to improve pedestrian safety by prohibiting parking within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
This "daylighting" practice ensures better visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, reducing the risk of collisions at intersections. The law, which took effect on January 1, 2024, and will be fully enforced starting January 1, 2025, allows local jurisdictions to adjust the 20-foot restriction using red curbs or signage.
However, it also changes parking rules statewide, and it's up to each of us as responsible drivers to be aware of and adhere to these changes. Those who are unaware of the change may face citations. Here's what you need to know.
What Does AB 413 Say?
Assembly Bill No. 413 says, "Existing law prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle in certain places and under certain conditions, including within an intersection, on a sidewalk or crosswalk, or in front of a fire station.
Existing law additionally authorizes local jurisdictions to, by ordinance, restrict parking in certain areas, at certain times, and for certain reasons, and to establish metered parking.
This bill would prohibit 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 where a curb extension is present, as specified.
The bill would, prior to January 1, 2025, authorize jurisdictions to issue only a warning for a violation and prohibit them from issuing a citation for a violation, unless the violation occurs in an area marked with paint or a sign.
By restricting parking in certain areas, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made in accordance with the statutory provisions noted above."
Provisions of the New Daylighting Law
AB 413 introduces strict, standardized guidelines for parking distances near crosswalks and intersections statewide to improve intersection safety. Here is what the law enforces:
- 20-Foot No-Parking Zones Near Crosswalks: Vehicles are prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of the approach of marked or unmarked crosswalks. "Approach" refers to the side of the crosswalk a driver faces as they drive toward it. By reserving this space, the law eliminates blind spots caused by cars parked too close to crosswalks.
- 15-Foot Rule for Curbed Extensions: Where curbed extensions, such as bulb-outs, exist at crosswalks, the no-parking zone extends 15 feet from the approach.
- Two-Way and One-Way Street Variances: On two-way streets, the 20-foot restriction applies only to the right-side approach to each crosswalk. However, on one-way streets, the no-parking zones extend to both the left and right curb areas within 20 feet of a crosswalk approach.
- Flexibility for Local Adjustments: While the 20-foot standard is universal under AB 413, the law permits local jurisdictions to modify this distance by adding painted curb markings or signage. For example, some areas may extend the no-parking zone beyond 20 feet or shorten it to meet specific local needs. A city with narrow streets might extend the zone to 25 feet, while a suburban area with wider roads might reduce it to 15 feet. Drivers are required to obey any red-painted curbs or signs, which override the default 20-foot rule. If there are no painted curbs, the 20-foot rule applies by default.
What Has Changed?
Before AB 413, California did not have a uniformly enforced parking restriction adjacent to crosswalks statewide. This inconsistency often leaves drivers unaware of parking rules in unfamiliar areas, leading to confusion and an increased risk of accidents.
AB 413 sets a statewide baseline standard, applying to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Importantly, under the new law, even at intersections without red curbs, signage, or other warnings, drivers must adhere to the 20-foot no-parking rule.
By making this requirement explicit, AB 413 significantly reduces ambiguity and holds drivers accountable to a clear standard, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Consequences for Violations
Under AB 413, parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or less than 15 feet from a curbed extension is a violation, regardless of whether the zone is marked with signs or painted curbs. Drivers should not assume compliance based solely on visual markings.
The distance restriction applies universally, whether the no-parking zone is designated with red paint, signage, or left unmarked. Parking infractions under AB 413 are subject to traffic citations and fines.
These fines may vary by jurisdiction but generally range from $40 to more than $100 per violation.
Additionally, improperly parked vehicles pose more than a financial liability. They increase the likelihood of accidents, which may result in civil repercussions if injuries or property damage occur.
For instance, if a pedestrian is hit by a car due to poor visibility caused by an improperly parked vehicle, the driver of the parked car could be held responsible for the pedestrian's medical bills and other damages. Drivers found at fault for obstructing visibility could face legal claims beyond traffic citations.
What to Know Moving Forward
To comply with AB 413, Californians are advised to adopt cautious parking habits. Always measure a 20-foot distance when stopping near a crosswalk, even in areas without markings.
To avoid fines in areas where the restricted distance is not clearly marked, drivers should use landmark measurements to estimate 20 feet, which is approximately the length of a standard parking space or the length of one large vehicle.
Local jurisdictions may enforce slightly different distances, so be sure to check for signage or painted curbs to confirm the exact distance. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and park farther away.
Many jurisdictions are issuing warnings for the first offense to help drivers become accustomed to the new rules, but it's essential to note that ignorance of the law isn't an excuse to avoid a fine. For more information, contact our CA criminal defense lawyers, Eisner Gorin LLP, located in Los Angeles.
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