California’s Daylighting Bill (AB 413) Improves Crosswalk Safety

According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately half of all traffic-related injuries occur near intersections. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% above the US average. In an attempt to combat these statistics, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) into law in Sacramento in October 2023. Authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-San Jose, this legislation aims to increase visibility at crosswalks across California. The bill, commonly known as the Daylighting Bill, prevents parking or stopping of vehicles within 20 feet from marked crosswalks, improving visibility and safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

What is daylighting? How can it help?

The term “daylighting” refers to the practice of keeping a clear zone of a specified distance on the approach side of an intersection or crosswalk. 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.

Enforcement

AB 413 recommends the issuance of warning notices to first-time offenders until January 1, 2025, after which citations will be issued.

When will I start seeing changes around town?

With several repaving and slurry sealing projects taking place in the spring and summer, notably the repaving work on Visitacion Ave. between San Francisco Ave. and Mendocino St., the City will not be restriping the parking spots on the approach side of intersections to account for daylighting requirements that need to be in place by next January. Signage will be placed temporarily in these work areas to inform the community about why the space has been removed.

In closing, the Daylighting Bill, AB 413, represents a significant stride in improving road safety in California. If you happen to come across someone wondering about why a spot has been removed, let them know about what you read here on this page or the April STAR!