CONNECT with the CityAB413 Daylighting at Crosswalks
"Daylighting" to Save Lives
Assembly Bill 413, introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee of Milpitas, was approved by the California Legislature in September 2023 and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 10, 2023.
The law, which is currently in effect, prohibits stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This applies to any intersection in the City of San Diego with a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
This is known as “daylighting” – allowing better visibility for drivers so they can see pedestrians and others entering the roadway.
Currently jurisdictions can only issue a warning for a violation and are prohibited from issuing citations, unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.
Enforcement to begin Jan. 1, 2025:
On Jan. 1, 2025, the City of San Diego may begin issuing citations under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22500 (N). A 60-day grace period will be in effect starting Jan. 1, 2025, until March 1, 2025.
It is important for San Diegans to know and understand that beginning next year they could be ticketed for violating this rule, even if there is no signage or red curb in the area explaining where parking is prohibited. This rule applies to both private and commercial vehicles.
The City of San Diego will be painting curbs red in densely populated and urban areas to indicate the 20-foot buffer zone, as a practical matter not all City curbs will be able to be marked.
What is AB 413?
Assembly Bill 413 is commonly known as the Daylighting Bill and aims to prevent parking or stopping of vehicles within 20 feet from marked crosswalks, improve visibility and safety for both pedestrians and drivers.
What Prompted This Change?
This is a new state law that applies to every city in California. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately half of all traffic-related injuries occur near intersections. In 2020 there were 1,674 pedestrian fatalities at intersections in the U.S. and California's pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than the national average.
What is Daylighting?
The term "daylighting" refers to the practice of keeping a clear zone of a specified distance on the approach side of an intersection or crosswalk.
What Must Drivers Do?
Drivers in their vehicles must not stop or park within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. For crosswalks with curb extensions, a 15-foot buffer is required. This safety measure increases visibility for approaching drivers and those already stopped in traffic, offering them a better view of pedestrians entering the crosswalk.
Will Drivers be Cited?
Warning Period Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024: Vehicles found in violation will be issued a warning.
Citations Begin Jan. 1, 2025: Vehicles found in violation may be cited. Citations can be issued whether or not signs or markings are present.
A 60-day grace period will be in effect starting Jan. 1, 2025, until March 1, 2025.
Violations of AB 413 may be subject to the following citations and fees as approved by San Diego City Council: TBD.