🚗 The "Daylighting Law" Guide: AB 413 Parking Rules 2026

What is the Daylighting Law?
"Daylighting" is a safety strategy designed to clear the sightlines at intersections. By removing parked cars from the area immediately surrounding a crosswalk, pedestrians can see oncoming traffic, and drivers can see pedestrians (especially children) before they step into the street.

🛑 The Golden Rule of Parking (2026)
Q: How close can you park to a crosswalk in California? A: You must stay at least 20 feet away from any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

4 Critical Facts for the 2026 Test:
Paint Doesn't Matter: The law applies even if the curb is not painted red. You are expected to know the 20-foot rule and measure it yourself (roughly one large car length).

Unmarked Crosswalks Count: A crosswalk exists at every intersection where sidewalks meet, even if there are no painted lines on the ground. You must still stay 20 feet back.

Curb Extensions: If the sidewalk "bulbs out" into the street (a curb extension), the distance requirement is reduced to 15 feet.

One-Way vs. Two-Way: * Two-Way Streets: The rule applies only to the "approach" side (the side traffic is coming from).

One-Way Streets: The 20-foot rule applies to both the left and right sides of the street before the crosswalk.

💰 Fines and Enforcement
While 2024 and 2025 were "education years" where police primarily issued warnings, 2026 is the year of full enforcement.

Citations: Fines vary by city but typically range from $25 to $80 plus administrative fees.

Towing: In high-injury networks or school zones, vehicles parked within the 20-foot buffer may be subject to immediate towing to ensure pedestrian safety.

💡 Pro-Tip for Permit Seekers
When you see a question about parking near an intersection, look for the number 20. California is aligning with 40 other states that use this specific distance. If the question mentions a "Curb Extension," the answer changes to 15.