California “Daylighting” Law

Due to a new statewide "Daylighting Law" (Assembly Bill 413), it is now illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted.

The law aims to improve safety by creating more visibility at intersections. This aligns with the City's Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.

• Prior to January 1, 2025, the City of San Rafael will only issue warnings for violations, and will not issue citations, unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.
• From January 1, 2025, the City will begin issuing citations, whether or not signs or markings are present.

The new law impacts all intersections with crosswalks, and citations will be issued for parking violations whether or not "No Parking" signs or markings are present.

Some intersections currently have markings that are inconsistent with the newly adopted law. Drivers should double-check where they are parking, to ensure they are in compliance with the new statewide requirements.

What is Daylighting?

Daylighting is the simple concept that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions, people walking and people driving or riding on the street can see each other better.

Daylighting increases the visual field of both pedestrians crossing the street, and drivers pulling up to an intersection. For pedestrians, daylighting means that they don’t have to venture into the intersection and peek around parked cars to see if they have a clear path to cross. This is especially important for children, who are less visible at intersections. At the same time, drivers get a clearer view of the intersection and can easily see if someone is waiting to cross.

What is the City of San Rafael doing to address the changes made by AB 413?

Short-Term Solutions: 

While permanent solutions are being planned, the City is evaluating the need for temporary measures, such as the installation of delineators or additional signage,  until more permanent changes can be made.

Permanent Solutions:
The City of San Rafael is evaluating long-term strategies to meet AB 413 requirements, based on budget resources and alignment with our current Capital Improvement Plans. Some of the options under consideration include:

• Red Curb Installation: Painting curbs red near crosswalks to clearly define no-parking zones and improve visibility for pedestrians.
• "No Parking from Here to Corner" Signs: Installing clear signage in areas near crosswalks to mark no-parking zones, providing a consistent visual reminder for drivers.
• Designated Loading Zones or Short-Term Parking: Repurposing daylighted parking spaces for short-term uses, such as loading zones, in compliance with the new law.
• Bike Racks: Replacing removed parking spaces with bike racks to support alternative transportation options.

This evaluation does not guarantee the implementation of any specific options. Please continue to check this webpage for the latest updates.