California’s daylighting law (AB 413) to improve safety at crosswalks

Published on February 11, 2025

A new California law will restrict parking near crosswalks to increase visibility at intersections and improve safety for all road users. Studies have shown restricting parking near intersections reduces the likelihood of collisions by 30%, making the journey to school safer for students and their families.

What does daylighting do?

As of Jan. 1, 2025, California’s new “daylighting” law (Assembly Bill 413) prohibits vehicles from parking, stopping, or standing within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk on the approach side of the road. At crosswalks with curb extensions, this distance is reduced to 15 feet. This law is designed to improve safety by increasing visibility at intersections, benefiting all road users, including people walking, biking or driving. “Daylighting” removes visual obstructions near crosswalks, allowing drivers to see pedestrians earlier. This is particularly important for children, who may be hard to see due to their height.

In addition to safety benefits, daylighting supports broader Safe Routes to School (SRTS) goals by encouraging more families to walk or bike to school. With clearer crosswalks and reduced traffic dangers, walking and biking can be a more viable and appealing option for families.

How will the City implement the law?

The City of Menlo Park is developing strategies to prioritize intersections and identify required modifications to the curb markings at crosswalks. Next, staff will evaluate existing marked / unmarked parking spaces to ensure that they are consistent with the new state standard, beginning with the Vision Zero Action Plan High Collision Corridors and the downtown area.

What can community members and residents do?

As the City begins implementing this law, community members and residents can play an active role by:

• Observing AB 413 parking restrictions
• Informing neighbors about these changes
• Discussing how daylighting improves safety with their children

Together, these efforts will make streets safer for everyone, particularly the City’s youngest residents, while advancing the goals of the Menlo Park SRTS Program.

For more information, please visit the City of Menlo Park’s Daylighting Law Implementation page.