As the new year is set to begin, new laws are going into effect in the City of San Diego. One that all drivers need to be aware of is the statewide “daylighting” law, which is meant to protect people crossing intersections by prohibiting parking within 20 feet of the corner, creating more visibility and improving safety. 

This law, passed by the California state legislature as Assembly Bill 413, pertains to all intersections throughout the City of San Diego and the state. As of Jan. 1, 2025, vehicle parking will not be allowed within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This rule applies whether or not there is a red curb or no parking signage at the intersection. 

The purpose is to improve the range of vision of approaching drivers, so they are more likely to see pedestrians, skateboarders and others in the intersection – thereby increasing the daylight and visibility for all. 

San Diego Police will be handing out warnings to violators of the law for the first 60 days. Beginning March 1, 2025, motorists who park within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, may be cited. Tickets will cost $65, plus a state-mandated administrative fee of $12.50, for a total of $77.50. This is also the current fine for parking at a red curb in San Diego. 

“It is important for San Diegans and visitors to be aware of and comply with this new state law,” said Transportation Department Director Bethany Bezak. “It may take some time for San Diegans to get accustomed to it, but together we can make our roadways safer for all users.” 

The average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet. To help estimate 20 feet, it may be helpful to envision about one car length and a half’s worth of distance.

Studies have shown that if drivers have greater visibility at crosswalks, crashes involving pedestrians can be more easily avoided. The law 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 across the state and every applicable intersection in the City of San Diego, whether in an urban or suburban area, residential or commercial neighborhood. 

The new law will also help move the City toward its Vision Zero goals. Vision Zero, a concept adopted by many cities worldwide, aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries for all road users. 

Nationwide, 43 states already have daylighting laws, and most prohibit parking within 20 feet of an intersection. 

For more information, visit the City’s daylighting webpage.