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In the red or not, you can now get a $63 fine for parking near an East LA crosswalk
A man crosses the street near Herbs of Mexico, an herb and supplement store in East L.A.
(
Andrew Lopez
/
Boyle Heights Beat
)
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.
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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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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