Topline:
This month, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department began issuing citations for vehicles parked within 20 feet of crosswalks in compliance with California’s “daylighting” law.
What is the daylighting law? Assembly Bill 413, also known as the state’s “daylighting” law, passed in October 2023 and prohibits the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles within 20 feet of a crosswalk, and 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension — even if there’s no warning sign or painted red curb. The law went into effect statewide on Jan. 1, 2024, but only warnings were issued at first – unless the violation occurred in a clearly marked area. LASD Parking Enforcement Detail began issuing citations on May 1.
What are the penalties? Tickets in unincorporated areas, including East L.A., start at $63, according to a spokesperson for LASD.
Parked near a crosswalk on Whittier Boulevard while picking up a 20-piece boneless wing combo? You might come back to find a $63 parking ticket on your windshield.
This month, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department began issuing citations for vehicles parked within 20 feet of crosswalks in compliance with California’s “daylighting” law.
What is AB 413, California’s “daylighting” law?
Assembly Bill 413, also known as the state’s “daylighting” law, passed in October 2023 and prohibits the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles within 20 feet of a crosswalk, and 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension — even if there’s no warning sign or painted red curb.
The only exception to the rule is when it is “necessary to avoid traffic conflicts or in compliance with directions from a peace officer or an official traffic control device,” the bill states.
What will enforcement look like for me?
The law went into effect statewide on Jan. 1, 2024, but only warnings were issued at first — unless the violation occurred in a clearly marked area. That warning period ended this year, though enforcement has varied by area. L.A. city drivers already had a similar rule prohibiting stopping or parking within 25 feet of “the approach to the nearest line of a crosswalk,” so drivers there won’t see much change. The rest of L.A. County, however, is just now catching up.
LASD Parking Enforcement Detail began issuing citations on May 1. Tickets in unincorporated areas, including East L.A., start at $63, according to a spokesperson for LASD.
Why did California introduce “daylighting”?
“Daylighting” is a safety measure improving visibility at intersections by removing obstructions near crosswalks. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the nation, ranking 25% higher than the national average. The bill aims to address that by improving visibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.
