California "Daylighting" Law - Assembly Bill 413

Daylighting Law Presentation (PDF)

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, it will be illegal to park, stop or stand a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk (marked or unmarked) or within 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension or bulb-out.

This applies only on the approach side of the road leading to the crosswalk. Vehicles parking at any intersection or mid-block crossing where the new law prohibits parking will be in violation and subject to ticketing after Jan. 1, 2025.

Please note that all vehicles that are in violation of this law could be ticketed, even if there is no signage posted or red curb markings.  

 

 Why This Matters

"Daylighting" improves safety for everyone by increasing visibility at crosswalks. Removing vehicles from these areas helps drivers spot pedestrians sooner, reducing the chance of accidents. This aligns with National City’s commitment to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through the Vision Zero initiative.

How to Prepare

If you park near intersections or crosswalks, take note of these new restrictions:

  1. Watch for updated curb markings and signs.
  2. Avoid parking within the restricted zones.
  3. Spread the word to neighbors and visitors.

For questions, please contact the City's Engineering Department at:

Email: Engineering@nationalcityca.gov

Phone: (619) 336-4380

 How to Measure 20 Feet

  • At intersections with visibly marked or painted crosswalks, 20 feet is measured from the end of the painted crosswalk down the curb line on the vehicle approach side.
  • At intersections that have implied or unmarked crosswalks, 20 feet is measured from the boundary line of where the two sidewalks intersect at the curb ramp.
  • The average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet. It may be helpful to consider that 20 feet is about the length of one and a half cars.