New parking law takes effect January 1—fines could cost you $64
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A new law taking effect January 1 could leave drivers facing hefty fines. This upcoming regulation may cost you up to $64 for a single mistake.
Before you panic, let’s break down what this law means and how it might affect parking in your area.
The term “daylighting” might conjure images of sunny skies and bright mornings, but in the context of traffic laws, it refers to the practice of keeping areas adjacent to intersections clear to enhance visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
California Assembly Bill 413, also dubbed the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, whether they're marked or not.
This means that drivers can no longer stop, stand, or park within this 20-foot buffer zone.
The law also extends to one-way streets, where parking within 20 feet of the left curb is forbidden, and to spots within 15 feet of crosswalks where curb extensions are present.
The rationale for this new regulation is safety.
By preventing cars from parking too close to crosswalks, pedestrians—especially children—gain improved visibility when crossing the street, which could significantly reduce the risk of fatal collisions.
Marc Vukcevich, Director of State Policy at Streets For All, has expressed confidence that this law will save lives and make intersections safer for everyone.
While the law officially goes into effect on January 1, 2025, don't expect immediate strict enforcement.
Officials have acknowledged the complexity of marking all the illegal spots across California, a task that could take years.
In the meantime, cities like San Francisco have begun issuing warnings to drivers, with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reportedly handing out 60 warnings a day.
Warnings will continue until March 1, 2025, after which fines will be issued.
Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the agency, emphasized that the goal is to educate rather than punish motorists during this transition period.
The daylighting law could affect more than 13,000 parking spots, with officials estimating a significant impact on available street parking.
In response, cities are taking measures such as painting the banned spots red, particularly near schools, to alert drivers of the no-parking zones.
Over 40 states have some form of regulation aimed at improving intersection visibility.
These laws reflect a growing recognition of the importance of pedestrian safety in urban planning and traffic management.
For instance, Illinois is introducing the option for drivers to carry a digital copy of their license on their cell phones, though acceptance of this digital ID is at the discretion of individual businesses.
Meanwhile, Washington state is cracking down on obscured license plates with a new law of its own.
Have you noticed any changes in parking regulations in your area? How do you plan to adapt to the new daylighting law? Share your strategies and thoughts in the comments below.
Before you panic, let’s break down what this law means and how it might affect parking in your area.
The term “daylighting” might conjure images of sunny skies and bright mornings, but in the context of traffic laws, it refers to the practice of keeping areas adjacent to intersections clear to enhance visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
California Assembly Bill 413, also dubbed the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, whether they're marked or not.
This means that drivers can no longer stop, stand, or park within this 20-foot buffer zone.
The law also extends to one-way streets, where parking within 20 feet of the left curb is forbidden, and to spots within 15 feet of crosswalks where curb extensions are present.
Drivers in California face a hefty $64 fine if they park too close to crosswalks under a new daylighting law. Image source: Kindel Media/Pexels.
The rationale for this new regulation is safety.
By preventing cars from parking too close to crosswalks, pedestrians—especially children—gain improved visibility when crossing the street, which could significantly reduce the risk of fatal collisions.
Marc Vukcevich, Director of State Policy at Streets For All, has expressed confidence that this law will save lives and make intersections safer for everyone.
While the law officially goes into effect on January 1, 2025, don't expect immediate strict enforcement.
Officials have acknowledged the complexity of marking all the illegal spots across California, a task that could take years.
In the meantime, cities like San Francisco have begun issuing warnings to drivers, with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reportedly handing out 60 warnings a day.
Warnings will continue until March 1, 2025, after which fines will be issued.
Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the agency, emphasized that the goal is to educate rather than punish motorists during this transition period.
The daylighting law could affect more than 13,000 parking spots, with officials estimating a significant impact on available street parking.
In response, cities are taking measures such as painting the banned spots red, particularly near schools, to alert drivers of the no-parking zones.
California isn't alone in implementing daylighting laws.
Over 40 states have some form of regulation aimed at improving intersection visibility.
These laws reflect a growing recognition of the importance of pedestrian safety in urban planning and traffic management.
For instance, Illinois is introducing the option for drivers to carry a digital copy of their license on their cell phones, though acceptance of this digital ID is at the discretion of individual businesses.
Meanwhile, Washington state is cracking down on obscured license plates with a new law of its own.
