California’s Daylighting Law (AB 413) took effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The law made it illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension. California has consistently led the way in environmental policies, and with its new daylighting law, the state took another significant step in transforming urban areas. The law aimed to improve safety by increasing visibility at intersections.
When discussing the new law, Cutter Rolfs, sophomore mechanical engineering major, shared his thoughts on its purpose and practicality.
“It seems interesting; there has to be a reason for it,” Rolfs said.
Safety was one of the law’s main goals, not only for pedestrians but also for drivers. To help drivers, the average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet.
The law required about one-and-a-half car lengths of space at intersections. This rule applied only to the side of the road leading to the crosswalk. Cars parked at intersections or mid-block crossings where the law prohibited parking were in violation and could receive tickets.
Many drivers on campus viewed this as a logical and beneficial safety measure, including Nicholas Castano, freshman theatre major.
“I don’t think anyone should be parking near an intersection, period,” Castano said.
How was this enforced? Previously, law enforcement could only issue warnings. However, as of this year, they could now issue citations. The community had to recognize that they could face penalties for violating this regulation, regardless of signs or postings indicating restricted parking zones. The rule applied to both private and commercial vehicles.
In an interview with “Patch News”, the Beverly Hills Police Department emphasized its focus on public awareness.
“Throughout 2024, only warnings were issued for violations to allow time for public education and awareness,” BHPD stated.
While it may have felt like a new change for California, 43 states already had daylighting laws, and most prohibited parking within 20 feet of an intersection.
