Daylighting Law: Understanding Assembly Bill No. 413

The daylighting law or AB 413 aims to regulate the parking of vehicles in certain areas in order to improve safety.

Assembly Bill No. 413 “[prohibits] the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present, as specified.”

The goal is to ensure the unobstructed view of pedestrian crossings. This can help reduce the potential for accidents. With the increase in visibility by limiting parking in these areas, AB 413 strives to improve safety standards for both pedestrians and drivers.

Enactment of the Daylighting Law

AB 413 was enacted into state law in October 2023 and went into effect on January 1, 2024. However, it included a temporary provision. This one-year grace period allowed local jurisdictions to issue only warnings for infractions, provided these occurred outside clearly marked zones. The bill came into full effect on January 1, 2025. After this date, citations could be issued for violations.

With a gradual introduction of the bill, the financial and logistical strain on local authorities is reduced.

State-Mandated Program

With the enactment of the daylighting law, a new state-mandated program requires local agencies to enforce the restrictions. This makes cities and local governments responsible for ensuring these updated laws are followed within their jurisdictions. This, in turn, creates a new need for additional resources and oversight.

Reimbursement for Local Agencies

While AB 413 places the responsibility of enforcement on local agencies, it includes provisions for reimbursement in cases where this creates additional costs. Should the Commission on State Mandates determine that the new law imposes financial burdens on these agencies or school districts, the state will cover related expenses according to the procedures outlined in the Government Code.

Flexibility for Local Authorities

The law allows local agencies to adjust parking distances according to existing traffic safety standards when the change can be justified. To do so, they must mark these changes clearly with paint or signage.

How the Daylighting Law Affects Day to Day Life

Assembly Bill No. 413 will have an impact on many people’s day-to-day lives, especially in urban areas where traffic is denser and finding parking can become difficult. Below are some of the changes that may be most noticeable:

• Safer Pedestrian Crossings: Increased visibility from the road will help drivers see pedestrians from farther away. This will help reduce the risk of unexpected accidents.
• Changes in Parking Behavior: Drivers may adjust their parking habits to avoid blocking crosswalk visibility.
• Decreased Parking Space: More pedestrian-friendly areas could result in a reduction of parking spots, particularly in busy urban centers.

The Impact of AB 413 on Personal Injury Law

• Increased Liability: An illegally parked car near a crosswalk could become a key factor in determining liability in pedestrian accident claims.
• Insurance and Settlements: Insurance companies may adjust their strategies to account for AB 413. The bill could facilitate the prompt resolution of certain cases and could lead to larger settlements.
• Prevention of Accidents: By ensuring cars are parked farther away from crosswalks, this bill aims to reduce the number of personal injury cases involving pedestrians.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney After the Daylighting Law

While AB 413 aims to reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians, some are still bound to happen. If you or a loved one have suffered a pedestrian accident around a crosswalk, an experienced lawyer well versed in AB 413 can help prepare your case.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we combine a boutique firm’s personal touch with a large practice’s extensive resources. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team specializes in personal injury and pedestrian accidents.

We offer free consultations in both English and Spanish. Call (800) 310-1606 today to speak to an expert.