Got questions about California’s ‘daylighting’ law and what it means for L.A. County? We have answers 

We heard you loud and clear: Los Angeles County’s enforcement of California’s “daylighting” law is confusing — and it caught many of you off guard.

A story we published last week sparked hundreds of questions about the law. Many of you expressed frustration over the city’s ongoing parking issues, some called the rule a “money grab,” while some saw it as a move toward safer streets. 

On May 1, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) began issuing $63 citations for vehicles parked within 20 feet of crosswalks to fall in line with Assembly Bill 413.

The California law prohibits the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles within 20 feet of a crosswalk, and 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension — whether the curb is marked in red or not. The regulation only applies to the side of the road where vehicles approach a crosswalk. 

The reason? To improve safety for everyone at intersections and crosswalks. 

In a recent Boyle Heights Beat Instagram poll of nearly 350 participants, 71% of respondents said they hadn’t heard about AB 413 until we reported on it. So, we’re here to answer your questions about the “daylighting” law and what enforcement looks like in L.A. 

What exactly is “daylighting?” 

“Daylighting” is a traffic safety measure that aims to improve visibility between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians by removing visual obstructions near intersections and crosswalks. 

Why am I just hearing about this? When was the law passed?

AB 413 was introduced in February 2023, was later approved by both the State Assembly and the Senate, and was signed into law in October of the same year. 

Was there a warning period? 

The law went into effect statewide on Jan. 1, 2024, but at first, only warnings were issued unless the violation occurred in a clearly marked area or in a city where similar rules were already in place. That warning period ended on Jan. 1, 2025, though enforcement still varies by area. 

Does this apply to all of California?

Yes, AB 413 applies to the entire state, though implementation may vary. Cities also have the authority to adjust the no-parking distance based on local traffic safety data, the bill states.

Parking fines for violations are also not uniform across the state. Check with your local jurisdiction’s parking enforcement division for more information.

How much will the tickets cost me?

That depends on where your ticket is issued.

Drivers in the city of L.A. already had a rule in effect prohibiting stopping or parking within 25 feet of the nearest line of a crosswalk. Tickets in L.A. cost $68, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).

L.A. County, however, is a different story. 

LASD Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) began issuing citations on May 1. Tickets in all unincorporated areas, including East L.A., start at $63, according to a spokesperson for LASD. The citation amount is subject to change, the spokesperson said. 

Can I get a ticket even if the curb is not painted red?

Yes, you can still receive a citation even if there’s no warning sign or painted red curb. 

The painting of curbs falls under the Department of Public Works (DPW), and PED is working to ensure clear curb markings and signage are implemented where necessary. If there’s an intersection where a curb isn’t already marked, you can reach out to DPW to request painting. 

Is this law more about safety or just a money grab?

According to the CA Office of Traffic Safety, the state has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the nation, 25% higher than the national average. AB 413 aims to address that.

Damian Kevitt, executive director of nonprofit Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE), believes “daylighting” improves safety by increasing visibility for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. 

“[It’s] not about how many citations can be issued. This isn’t about becoming a money-making revenue stream,” said Kevitt. “We shouldn’t be comparing being upset over a parking ticket to someone dying.”

Is “daylighting” a new idea?

No. Many other states and countries have similar policies barring obstructions near intersections.

“California is not new in this approach, and if anything, we’re actually behind many other parts of the world,” said Kevitt. “This is an easy, common sense way to save lives.”

This article was updated on Thursday, June 5 to correct the amount for a fine in L.A. city.