AB 413 - Daylighting Law

California's New Daylighting Law (AB 413)

Starting January 1, 2025, it will be illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if a red curb is not present, or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

California Assembly Bill 413 was signed into law in October 2023. Specifically, 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 as one is driving 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.
  • Allows local jurisdictions to paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet. If there is no red curb paint, the 20 feet distance still applies. 20 feet is about the length of a standard parking space or one large car-length.
  • Prior to January 1, 2025, local jurisdictions may only issue warnings for violations, and may not issue citations unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.
  • Starting January 1, 2025, local jurisdictions may begin issuing citations, whether or not signs or paint are present.

For more information on Assembly Bill 413, visit the California Legislature website.

How Daylighting Works

AB 413 Example With Red Curb

Daylighting with a red curb before the crosswalk

AB 413 Example Without Red Curb

Daylighting with no red curb before the crosswalk

San Mateo's Commitment to AB 413

The City will be installing new red curb markings to be consistent with the new law. Installation will focus on areas with high pedestrian-activity, commercial areas, schools, and parks, and high priority locations identified in the adopted Local Road Safety Plan. Street parking will be removed for new red curb markings where there is existing parking next to the crosswalk.

Over the next few months, residents should expect to see new red curb markings. However, as noted above, vehicles may not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk regardless of whether the curb is painted red. 

What is Daylighting?

Daylighting is a safety improvement that restricts parking next to crosswalks. 

Daylighting improves the visual field for both pedestrians and drivers: pedestrians crossing a street have a clear view of oncoming cars without stepping into the street and without a parked car in the way, and drivers approaching an intersection can easily see if a person is waiting to cross the street well in advance. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicles, all street users can see each other better, reducing the potential for conflict.

Beginning January 1, 2025 when AB 413 goes into effect, remember to leave at least 20 feet (or one large car length) between a marked or unmarked crosswalk and your vehicle.

The graphic at the top of this webpage shows how daylighting, or removing parking next to crosswalks, increases the field of view for pedestrians and drivers at painted and unpainted crosswalks.