California's Daylighting Law (AB 413)

Daylighting is the simple concept that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions people walking and people driving or riding on the street can see each other better.

On all public roads, including residential streets:

  • No parking within 20 feet of a marked or *unmarked crosswalk.
  • No parking within 20 feet of any intersection.
  • Marked parking spaces currently within 20 feet of an intersection will be moved back or removed to comply.

*An unmarked crosswalk is the portion of a street that is in between sidewalks at an intersection. Specifically, the unmarked crosswalk is the alignment that a sidewalk would follow if it continued across the street.

Daylighting Defined

Daylighting is the simple concept that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions, people walking and people driving or riding on the street can see each other better. Beginning January 1, 2025, remember to leave at least 20 feet (or one large car length) between a marked or unmarked crosswalk and your vehicle, so approaching vehicles can see pedestrians and bicycles.

Daylighting (1)
Daylighting (2)

How You Can Avoid a Warning or Citation

  • If the curb is not painted red, park at least 20 feet – about one car length – away from any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
  • If the curb is painted red, the established restrictions apply. To avoid a citation, ensure your vehicle is not in the painted section of that curb.
AB 413 Daylighting