California's New Daylighting Law: What Drivers Need to Know to Avoid Fines and Protect Pedestrian Safety

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Shaaban & Biedgoly

California’s new “daylighting” law, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), effective January 1, 2025, introduces significant changes to parking regulations near crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety. This legislation prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk and within 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions, regardless of curb markings or signage.

Understanding the Daylighting Law

Daylighting involves keeping areas adjacent to crosswalks clear of parked vehicles to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. By restricting parking near intersections, the law aims to reduce blind spots, allowing drivers to see pedestrians more clearly and vice versa. This measure is expected to decrease pedestrian-related accidents, particularly in urban areas with high foot traffic.

Key Provisions of AB 413

  • Parking Restrictions: The law adds Section 22500(n) to the California Vehicle Code, prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk and within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension.
  • Applicability: These restrictions apply statewide, irrespective of whether curbs are painted red or if there are posted signs indicating no-parking zones. On two-way streets, the restriction affects only the right-side approach to a crosswalk, while on one-way streets, both the left and right curb areas within the specified distances are no-parking zones.
  • Enforcement Timeline: Prior to January 1, 2025, local jurisdictions could issue warnings for violations but could not issue citations unless the violation occurred in a clearly marked area. Starting January 1, 2025, authorities are authorized to issue citations for violations, regardless of the presence of signs or painted curbs.

Implications for Drivers

Drivers across California need to adjust their parking habits to comply with the new law. Parking within the restricted zones near crosswalks can result in fines, even in the absence of red curb markings or no-parking signs. It’s essential for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and ensure they are not parked within the prohibited distances to avoid penalties.

Impact on Pedestrian Safety

The primary objective of the daylighting law is to enhance pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections. By keeping the areas near crosswalks clear, pedestrians are more visible to oncoming traffic, reducing the likelihood of accidents. This measure is particularly beneficial for children and individuals with disabilities, who may be less visible to drivers when vehicles are parked too close to crosswalks.

Challenges and Considerations

While the law aims to improve safety, it also presents challenges, particularly concerning parking availability. In densely populated urban areas, the removal of parking spaces near intersections may exacerbate existing parking shortages. Cities like San Francisco anticipate the elimination of thousands of parking spots due to the new regulations.

Additionally, the enforcement of the law requires public awareness and infrastructure adjustments. Not all intersections will have red-painted curbs or signage indicating the no-parking zones, making it imperative for drivers to familiarize themselves with the law’s specifics to avoid unintentional violations.

Role of Accident Attorneys

With the implementation of AB 413, accident attorneys play a crucial role in both educating the public and assisting clients affected by the new regulations. For individuals involved in accidents near intersections, understanding the nuances of the daylighting law is essential. Accident attorneys can provide guidance on liability issues, especially in cases where violations of the new parking restrictions may have contributed to an incident.

The consequences of these new laws can have positive and negative effects on personal injury claims following car accidents. For example, if you were involved in an accident in an intersection, any vehicle parked around the intersection in violation of AB 413 could be contributing at-fault parties. On one hand, this can create more avenues of recovery for your injuries. On the other hand, the insurance companies can use this to lower their insured’s liability where there are potentially other parties at fault for your injuries.

Moreover, as the law is enforced, there may be an increase in disputes or citations related to parking violations near crosswalks. Accident attorneys can assist clients in navigating these legal challenges, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they are adequately informed about the implications of the daylighting law.

Conclusion

California’s daylighting law represents a significant step toward enhancing pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections. While it necessitates adjustments from drivers and may impact parking availability, the overarching goal is to reduce accidents and save lives. An accident attorney at Shaaban & Biedgoly will be instrumental in guiding the public through this transition, ensuring compliance, and addressing any legal issues that arise as a result of the new regulations.

Contact Shaaban & Biedgoly today for your FREE consultation and to discuss how the new laws can affect your day-to-day life.