New California Law Designed To Improve Pedestrian Safety

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “daylighting” law will go into effect in California  making parking within 20 feet of corners and crosswalks illegal, even if the curb isn’t painted red.  The average vehicle length is about 14 feet, so the new law basically requires a vehicle to be parked at least one and a half car lengths from the intersection or crosswalk.

Designed to reduce accidents and injury, the purpose of the law is to make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians, skateboarders and other vehicles.   The Governors Highway Safety Association (“GHSA”) reports that pedestrian traffic fatalities are on the rise. Sadly, approximately 3500 pedestrians were killed on U.S. Highways just in the first half of 2022 and this number is increasing.  Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2022 Preliminary Data | GHSA

Initially, a violator will receive a warning but starting March 1, 2025, motorists in violation of this new law will be fined $65.00 plus a $12.50 administrative fee, totaling $72.50.