On January 1, 2025 the rules for parking near crosswalks changes to allow “daylighting”, visibility of pedestrians at crosswalks.
CA State Assembly Bill AB-413 prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk, even if the curb is not painted red, starting 1/1/25.
- The law creates a new section of the Vehicle Code, CVC 22500(n), which prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension anywhere in California.
- On a two-way street, only the space on the right-side approaching a crosswalk is affected. However, on a one-way street, both the left and the right curb areas 20 feet from the crosswalk are no parking zones.
- Local jurisdictions may paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet. When you see a red curb or parking prohibition sign next to a crosswalk just follow that distance. If there is no paint or signs, the 20 feet distance applies. 20 feet is about the length of a standard parking space.
The diagram from the City of Pinole shows how the 20 foot clearance works with both painted and unpainted crosswalks.
Daylighting allows drivers to see pedestrians crossing the street and drivers pulling up to an intersection. This is especially important for children, who are less visible at intersections. This new design is based on research from the National Association of City Transportation Officials.
The map below shows the locations that will be affected in Normal Heights. Note, this map was created using Google satellite view and some spots may not have been found or may already have red zones, hydrants, bus stops, or curb cuts preventing parking already. Approximately 350 locations will be affected, however, crosswalks at alleyways are not affected. In many cases spots will be tighter, while others may be eliminated completely. Use your best judgment.
Disclaimer: this map is not intended to determine the legality of any parking spot.