Introduction

On January 1, 2025, California’s new statewide “Daylighting Law” went into effect. Approved by the Governor on October 10, 2023, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) enhances pedestrian safety by prohibiting vehicles from parking within 20 feet of marked and unmarked crosswalks, and within 15 feet of crosswalks that have curb extensions. These parking restrictions are designed to improve the visibility of both moving vehicles and pedestrians, helping reduce collisions.

Driver’s point of view before and after the “Daylighting Law” in effect.

Enforcement

Since this is a state law, it will be in effect regardless of the presence of red curbs or no parking signage. However, the City of Santa Clara plans to install new red curb markings and no parking signage in select high-priority pedestrian areas. Installation will occur in phases, prioritizing marked crosswalks with heavy pedestrian traffic and uncontrolled crosswalks (i.e., striped pedestrian crossings without a traffic control device, such as a stop sign, traffic signal, or flashing beacon regulating vehicle movement through the crosswalk).

This illustration highlights how maintaining a 20-foot clearance between the crosswalk and parked vehicles significantly enhances street safety at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

For More Information

Contact the Traffic Engineering Division at pwtrafficoperations@santaclaraca.gov or 408-615-3000.