AB 413, “Daylighting to Save Lives” Now in Effect

AB 413, or the "Daylighting to Save Lives" bill, amended the California Vehicle Code to ban cars and trucks from stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of the approach side of crosswalks or 15 feet any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This bill was signed into law on October 13, 2023. Starting on January 1, 2025, drivers could get cited for violating the law.

Below are the key provisions of the bill and how they will affect parking near crosswalks throughout town in both residential and commercial districts.

Prohibition of Parking Near Crosswalks:
The bill prohibits parking, stopping, or standing vehicles within 20 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk, which includes both marked and unmarked crosswalks as well as within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

Safety Benefits:
When vehicles park too close to crosswalks, they block the view of pedestrians who may be crossing, making it harder for drivers to see and yield the right of way. This is particularly relevant for children, who are often hidden behind larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs due to their shorter height. As the size of vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, continues to increase, the issue of low-visibility intersections becomes even more pressing. This restriction is aimed at improving sightlines for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at intersections, reducing the likelihood of accidents, especially for vulnerable road users like children and cyclists.

Daylighting Concept:
The term "daylighting" refers to creating clear sightlines by removing obstacles like parked vehicles from key areas, especially near crosswalks and intersections. By restricting parking near crosswalks, the available space can be used for safety-enhancing features, such as bike racks, scooter parking.

Community and Environmental Benefits:
This bill not only improves pedestrian safety but also allows communities to make better use of the space around crosswalks for additional amenities that contribute to safer, more sustainable streets.

Implementation and Enforcement:
Starting January 1, 2025, the Town of Tiburon will be blocking areas of the public right-of-way that are in violation of AB 413 with temporary no parking signs. These signs will be removed after the curbs surrounding the areas are painted red and/or the parking spaces are permanently removed, which is tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2025.

This change is a step toward safer streets in California, reducing the chances of accidents and fatalities, particularly for the most vulnerable road users.

Whether or not the curb is painted red, drivers could be cited for violating this law beginning January 1, 2025.

Who can I contact at the Town of Tiburon if I have questions about AB 413?
For more information on AB 413, please reach out to the Traffic Safety Committee at [email protected]