By admin 
Drivers across Southern California are being warned to pay closer attention to where they park as authorities begin actively enforcing California’s “Daylighting to Save Lives” law (Assembly Bill 413), a traffic safety measure that restricts parking near crosswalks and could result in fines for motorists who violate the rule.
Read more Report: Quinten Post signing $30M offer sheet with Grizzlies
While the law officially took effect in January 2025, many local governments and law enforcement agencies spent months educating the public rather than issuing citations. That grace period is now ending, with parking enforcement departments across Southern California announcing stricter enforcement efforts.
What Is California’s Daylighting Law?
The law prohibits drivers from parking within 20 feet of the approach side of a crosswalk, even if the curb is not painted red. If a curb extension is present, the required distance is reduced to 15 feet.
The rule is intended to create a clear line of sight between motorists and pedestrians approaching intersections. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says the measure is designed to improve visibility at crossings by preventing parked vehicles from blocking the view for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Many motorists might be unaware of the requirement because some intersections don’t have signs or curb markings indicating where parking is prohibited. However, officials say the law applies regardless of whether or not the area is marked.
Why Was the Law Introduced?
The legislation was enacted as part of California’s broader effort to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic deaths.
Nearly 36 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at intersections, where vehicles parked too close to crosswalks can obstruct visibility and increase the risk of collisions, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Read more Hosting a BBQ? Watch out for these BBQ pests
Safety advocates have argued that keeping intersection corners clear gives drivers more time to see pedestrians entering the roadway while allowing pedestrians to better spot approaching traffic before crossing.
The most immediate consequence is financial. In Los Angeles County, drivers who park too close to a crosswalk can receive a $63 ticket.
Officials have also warned that arguing a citation should be dismissed because there was no sign or red curb is unlikely to succeed because the law does not require those markings for enforcement.
For drivers, experts recommend paying close attention when parking near intersections and leaving at least 20 feet of clearance from the approach side of a crosswalk. Even spaces that were commonly used in the past could now be subject to enforcement.
As local agencies move from education to enforcement, California motorists are being reminded that understanding the daylighting law is no longer optional-and overlooking it could lead to an unexpected ticket on their windshield.
Read more NASA marks America’s 250th birthday with ‘cosmic fireworks’ gallery
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Sam Wilson.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 8:06 AM.