San Diego’s New Daylighting Law: What You Need to Know
By Amba Law Immigration Solutions
Inspired by reports from various news outlets
A New Law Takes Effect in San Diego
On March 1, 2025, San Diego officially began enforcing California's new Daylighting Law, designed to improve road safety by increasing visibility at intersections. The law prohibits vehicles from parking within 20 feet of crosswalks—whether marked or unmarked—to reduce blind spots for drivers and pedestrians.
While Assembly Bill (AB) 413 was passed at the state level and took effect on January 1, 2025, San Diego delayed enforcement for 60 days to educate the public before issuing fines.
Now that the grace period is over, drivers who violate the law will face a fine of $77.50—so here’s everything you need to know to avoid a ticket.
What Does the Daylighting Law Require?
The law limits parking near intersections to ensure clear sightlines for drivers and pedestrians. Key details include:
- No parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk (marked or unmarked).
- No parking within 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions (bulb-outs).
- No exceptions, even if the curb is not painted red or there are no signs.
California Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), enacted in 2023, amends Section 22500 of the California Vehicle Code to enhance pedestrian safety by regulating vehicle stopping, standing, and parking near crosswalks. Specifically, the statute prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension (bulb-out) is present. This regulation aims to improve visibility at intersections, thereby reducing potential accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
A curb extension, also known as a bulb-out or neckdown, is a traffic calming measure that extends the sidewalk or curb line into the parking lane, effectively narrowing the roadway. This design reduces the crossing distance for pedestrians, enhances their visibility to drivers, and encourages slower vehicle turning speeds by tightening the curb radii.
Under California's new Daylighting Law (Assembly Bill 413), effective January 1, 2025, vehicles are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk to enhance intersection visibility and safety. However, if a crosswalk features a curb extension (also known as a bulb-out), this no-parking zone is reduced to 15 feet. This adjustment accounts for the extended sidewalk area provided by curb extensions, which naturally improve sightlines at intersections
If you’re unsure whether an intersection is covered under this law, assume the rule applies to all crosswalks to avoid a citation.
How Much is the Fine?
San Diego parking enforcement will now issue tickets for violations. If you park too close to a crosswalk, you could receive:
- $65 base fine
- $12.50 administrative fee
- Total cost: $77.50 per violation
This fine is similar to a red curb parking violation, and officers will be actively monitoring busy intersections for enforcement.
Why Was the Law Created?
Daylighting laws are meant to prevent accidents by improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Studies show that:
- Cars parked too close to intersections block sightlines, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Collisions at intersections are a leading cause of pedestrian injuries and deaths.
- Better visibility reduces crashes and makes crosswalks safer for everyone.
Why Did San Diego Delay Enforcement?
Although AB 413 took effect across California on January 1, 2025, San Diego opted to delay ticketing until March 1, 2025, choosing instead to:
- Issue 1,500 warnings to educate drivers.
- Paint red curbs at more than 200 intersections to clearly mark no-parking zones.
- Remove 97 parking meters that were within restricted zones.
- Continue evaluating and modifying additional intersections for compliance.
The city wanted to ease the transition before enforcing fines, but as of March 1, citations are now being issued.
Other Cities with Similar Laws
New York City’s Daylighting law
San Diego is not alone—daylighting laws exist in cities across the U.S. and are common in 43 states. Some notable examples include:
- San Francisco – Began enforcing a similar law on January 1, 2025, with heavy focus on painting red curbs and increasing enforcement.
- New York City – Has daylighting laws restricting parking near intersections, with strict penalties for violations.
- Seattle, Portland, and Chicago – Have similar restrictions to improve pedestrian safety.
Daylighting laws are a growing trend nationwide, as cities work to reduce accidents and protect pedestrians.
How to Avoid a Ticket
Follow these tips to stay compliant and avoid a fine:
✔ Measure the Distance – 20 feet is about 1.5 car lengths. If in doubt, park farther away.
✔ Check for Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks – The rule applies even if there’s no red curb or sign.
✔ Watch for Curb Extensions – If a crosswalk has bulb-outs, the no-parking zone extends 15 feet from it.
March 1 Declared ‘Daylighting Safety Awareness Day’
To highlight the importance of this law, Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed March 1 as ‘Daylighting Safety Awareness Day’ in San Diego. The goal is to remind drivers of the new rules and promote safer intersections for everyone.
A Message to Our Immigrant Community: Upholding the Law for a Brighter Future
At Amba Law Immigration Solutions, we recognize the challenges immigrants face in the United States. Adhering to laws like San Diego's Daylighting Law not only helps avoid fines but also demonstrates our commitment to being responsible community members.
The Importance of Lawful Conduct
In today's climate, immigrants often face unjust stereotypes and heightened scrutiny. By diligently following laws and regulations, we not only protect ourselves from legal repercussions but also counteract negative perceptions. Demonstrating respect for the law showcases our commitment to being constructive members of society, challenging misconceptions that unfairly label immigrants as lawbreakers.
Setting a Positive Example for Our Children
Our actions serve as powerful lessons for our children. When we adhere to laws and engage responsibly within our communities, we instill values of integrity and respect. This foundation empowers our children to navigate society confidently, unburdened by fear or misunderstanding of legal systems.
Contributing to Community Well-being
Abiding by laws, such as traffic regulations and safety measures, directly contributes to the well-being of our communities. Our compliance ensures safer neighborhoods, fosters trust among residents, and enhances the overall quality of life. By being conscientious citizens, we pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Understanding and following local laws can be empowering. It enables us to engage more fully in civic activities, advocate for our rights, and participate in community decision-making processes. This active involvement not only enriches our lives but also strengthens the fabric of our communities.
In Conclusion
Embracing lawful behavior is more than a civic duty; it's a testament to our dedication to building a better future for ourselves and our families. By doing so, we dispel harmful stereotypes, set positive examples for our children, and contribute meaningfully to the communities we now call home. Let us continue to uphold these values, ensuring that our journey in this country is marked by respect, responsibility, and resilience.
What do you think?
Will the new law make San Diego’s streets safer? Have you noticed changes at intersections? Let us know in the comments!
March 1 Declared ‘Daylighting Safety Awareness Day’
To highlight the importance of this law, Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed March 1 as ‘Daylighting Safety Awareness Day’ in San Diego. The goal is to remind drivers of the new rules and promote safer intersections for everyone.
A Message to Our Immigrant Community: Upholding the Law for a Brighter Future
At Amba Law Immigration Solutions, we recognize the challenges immigrants face in the United States. Adhering to laws like San Diego's Daylighting Law not only helps avoid fines but also demonstrates our commitment to being responsible community members.
The Importance of Lawful Conduct
In today's climate, immigrants often face unjust stereotypes and heightened scrutiny. By diligently following laws and regulations, we not only protect ourselves from legal repercussions but also counteract negative perceptions. Demonstrating respect for the law showcases our commitment to being constructive members of society, challenging misconceptions that unfairly label immigrants as lawbreakers.
Setting a Positive Example for Our Children
Our actions serve as powerful lessons for our children. When we adhere to laws and engage responsibly within our communities, we instill values of integrity and respect. This foundation empowers our children to navigate society confidently, unburdened by fear or misunderstanding of legal systems.
Contributing to Community Well-being
Abiding by laws, such as traffic regulations and safety measures, directly contributes to the well-being of our communities. Our compliance ensures safer neighborhoods, fosters trust among residents, and enhances the overall quality of life. By being conscientious citizens, we pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Understanding and following local laws can be empowering. It enables us to engage more fully in civic activities, advocate for our rights, and participate in community decision-making processes. This active involvement not only enriches our lives but also strengthens the fabric of our communities.
In Conclusion
Embracing lawful behavior is more than a civic duty; it's a testament to our dedication to building a better future for ourselves and our families. By doing so, we dispel harmful stereotypes, set positive examples for our children, and contribute meaningfully to the communities we now call home. Let us continue to uphold these values, ensuring that our journey in this country is marked by respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
The Daylighting Law is a simple but effective way to reduce accidents and make crosswalks safer. While it may take time for drivers to adjust, the goal is to save lives and improve visibility for all road users.
What do you think?
Will the new law make San Diego’s streets safer? Have you noticed changes at intersections? Let us know in the comments!