SAN DIEGO – A sweeping state law meant to protect pedestrians is now being rigorously enforced in San Diego, where city officials have issued more than 4,200 citations since March 1 under California’s new “daylighting” law.
The measure prohibits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk—marked or unmarked—and is part of a broader statewide push to improve visibility and reduce street-level injuries.
The law, Assembly Bill 413, took effect on January 1, 2024, but San Diego began issuing tickets after a 60-day grace period.
Since then, neighborhoods like North Park, La Jolla, Hillcrest, and Pacific Beach have become hotspots for enforcement, due to their high foot traffic and narrow streets.
Violations carry a fine of $117, including base penalties and administrative fees, according to city officials.
What the Law Requires
Drivers must not park within 20 feet of any crosswalk at an intersection, even without red curbs or posted signage.
The law applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Cities are authorized to enforce the law without installing signs or curb markings.
The law follows the principle of “daylighting”—a term used in urban planning to describe the practice of clearing visual obstructions near intersections, allowing drivers to better see pedestrians and vice versa.
City’s Safety Strategy
City officials have defended the rollout as a life-saving initiative.
“This is an important step toward improving safety on our city streets,” said Bethany Bezak, Director of San Diego’s Transportation Department, in a November 2024 statement. “This new law will bring us closer to our Vision Zero goals, and a future where everyone in San Diego may safely walk and ride.”
The “Vision Zero” initiative is a citywide campaign aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through street design and policy reform.
Community Impact and Public Response
While safety advocates have applauded the move, some residents have expressed frustration over the lack of signage and awareness. “There should be warnings or red curbs,” said a Hillcrest driver who received a citation in April. “It’s unfair to be fined when nothing is marked.”
City officials, however, stress that the law was designed to be self-enforcing, much like speed limits, and that education efforts began months before citations were issued.
What Drivers Should Know
Keep at least 20 feet away from all intersections when parking, even if no signage is visible.
Fines in San Diego are $117 per violation.
Enforcement is active and will expand citywide.
As the crackdown continues, San Diego drivers are being asked to adjust parking habits and remain alert near corners. For city leaders, the priority remains clear: protecting lives through visibility and prevention.
