Intersection Daylighting - AB 413

What is California's new "Daylighting" law (AB 413)?

To improve pedestrian safety, Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) authored Assembly Bill (AB) 413 prohibiting the stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of a crosswalk. This is a safety measure known as “daylighting.” Specifically, the Daylighting Law legislates the following activities:

• 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, regardless of the existence of painted red curbs.
• 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.

Assembly Bill (AB) 413 went into effect on January 1, 2024, and the law will be fully enforced on January 1, 2025.

How doe the Daylighting Law (AB 413) help increase pedestrian safety?

The daylighting law dictates that the area next to crosswalks be clear of parked vehicles obstructions to increase the visual field of both pedestrians and drivers.  Pedestrians do not have to venture into the intersection and peek around parked cars to see if they have a clear path to cross. At the same time, drivers get a clearer view of the intersection and can easily see if someone is waiting to cross from well in advance.

What can Milpitas residents do to comply with the law?

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 or one large car-length.  Please note that daylighting laws can be enforced even if the curb is not painted red. The Public Works Department will prioritize intersections near school zones for evaluation of the application of red curbs and/or signage for compliance and enforcement purposes.

For more information about the Daylighting Law (AB 413), please read our "Safer Streets with Daylighting" guide, or call the Traffic Engineering division at (408) 586-3316.