Intersection Daylighting

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Parking Near Crosswalks

The new Intersection Daylighting Law, effective January 2024, prohibits parking within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if there are no signs or curb markings.

Enforcement

California's citation enforcement starts on January 1, 2025. However, there’s no reason not to start leaving at least 20 feet (or the length of one large car) between your car and a marked/unmarked crosswalk.

Enhanced Safety

The law aims to enhance safety by improving visibility at intersections:

Parked vehicles near crosswalks limit pedestrian visibility, increasing the risk of severe injury or fatal collisions.
Removing these obstructions helps drivers see pedestrians and lets pedestrians see oncoming cars without stepping into the intersection.
Intersection daylighting is a proven traffic safety practice. The City of Fremont has implemented it in school zones as part of the Vision Zero traffic safety program using physical devices such as signs, markings, and plastic posts.

Background

Similar laws exist in 40 states. In October 2023, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) into law, sponsored by Fremont’s State Assembly representative, Alex Lee. Known as the “daylighting” law, AB 413 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet where a curb extension is present. AB 413 took effect on January 1, 2024, but citation enforcement begins January 1, 2025. It is codified in California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22500(n)(1)(A), and on April 2, 2024, Fremont City Council amended Fremont Municipal Code Section 10.05.630 to incorporate the new regulations.

Leaving a clearance of 20 feet provides a greater field of visibility for all roadway users (as shown in the left and bottom scenarios) whereas not providing that clearance greatly reduces the visibility (as shown in the top and right scenarios).

Leaving a clearance of 20 feet provides a greater field of visibility for all roadway users (as shown in the bottom-left and bottom-right scenarios) whereas not providing that clearance greatly reduces the visibility (as shown in the top-left and top-right scenarios).