WPBN: A new law that will go into effect on January 1, 2025, has the potential to issue you a parking penalty if you do not exercise caution.
In 2025, the law, which is technically referred to as Assembly Bill 413 but is more frequently referred to as a “Daylighting Law,” will go into force throughout the state of California.
The purpose of this law is to make junctions safer for pedestrians by prohibiting automobiles from parking within twenty feet of a crosswalk.
In addition, the legislation is applicable regardless of whether the crossing is marked or not, and it does not matter if the curb is painted red.
In an effort to make it simpler for motorists to navigate the new normal, San Francisco and other cities in California have been trying to install signage and paint curbs. However, they have acknowledged that not all curbs will be painted red in time.
In the event that the crossing is indicated, you will be required to provide a distance of twenty feet apart when parking in the direction of the crosswalk.
On a street that features two-way traffic, this indicates that the only side that is affected is the right side that approaches the crosswalk. On the other hand, one-way streets require a space of twenty feet to be left open on both sides.
When the crossing is not designated, the same regulations apply, as demonstrated in the diagram provided by the SFMTA at the bottom.
When it comes to painting the curb red for a length that is shorter or greater than 20 feet, cities have some degree of local autonomy. Do not deviate from the direction indicated by a red curb. You should allow a distance of twenty feet between your hood and the crosswalk if there is no curb paint.
In exact terms, how far is twenty feet?
To avoid getting a penalty, you should leave a generous amount of space between your vehicle and the car because it is a little longer than a large SUV.
You will be able to go a little bit closer to the crossing if there is a curb extension or bulb-out present, such as the one that is seen above. In situations like this, you will need to leave a spacing of fifteen feet.
There have been certain agencies that have issued warnings up until this point; however, it is anticipated that they will begin issuing citations beginning in January.
When it comes to daylighting, California is rather behind the rest of the country. A total of forty-three states have implemented similar regulations that prohibit parking in close proximity to crosswalks.
A number of people believe that the modification will make roadways safer for pedestrians and automobiles alike. People who are waiting to cross the street, particularly youngsters of a younger age, will have an easier time determining whether or not a car is approaching without having to thrust their head out past a parked automobile.
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In addition, motorists will have a more distinct perspective as they approach a junction, which will allow them to better determine whether or not there is a person waiting to cross the street.
Data from the city indicate that there have already been thirty people killed in traffic accidents in San Francisco this year. Twenty of those individuals sustained fatal injuries while walking.
However, it is anticipated that the move will make it more difficult to locate parking along the curbside, which could result in the elimination of a significant number of parking spaces in urban areas.
