California's New Daylighting Law (AB 413)

Violation enforcement starts September 12, 2025 

Effective January 1, 2025, it is illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if a red curb is not present, or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

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.
• Allows local jurisdictions to paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet. If there is no red curb paint, the 20 feet distance still applies. 20 feet is about the length of a standard parking space or one large car-length.
• 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.

What is Daylighting?

Daylighting is a safety improvement that restricts parking next to crosswalks. 

Daylighting improves the visual field for both pedestrians and drivers: pedestrians crossing a street have a clear view of oncoming cars without stepping into the street and without a parked car in the way, and drivers approaching an intersection can easily see if a person is waiting to cross the street well in advance. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicles, all street users can see each other better, reducing the potential for conflict.

Remember to leave at least 20 feet (or one large car length) between a marked or unmarked crosswalk and your vehicle.

Daylighting Flyer English/Spanish

Why is this important?

• REDUCES TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND PEDESTRIAN INJURIES
• IMPROVES VISIBILITY FOR ALL ROAD USERS
• ADDRESSES HIGH PEDESTRIAN FATALITY RATES IN CALIFORNIA

 What drivers need to know: 

• NO PARKING WITHIN 20 FEET OF ANY CROSSWALK
• APPLIES TO ALL INTERSECTIONS, EVEN WITHOUT SIGNS OR RED CURBS
• AFFECTS BOTH PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES