IT’S the final weeks before the new 20 foot parking rule takes effect with $77 fines – you’re at risk any time you’re near an intersection.

Drivers across Californians are now at risk of a new “daylight” parking fine within 20 feet of any crosswalk.

From January 1, even if there is nothing to mark the no-parking zone or crosswalk, drivers could be ticketed.

San Diego has been marking curbs red and adding signage in preparation of the new law.

However, it pledged in a statement that “not all City curbs will be able to be marked”.

The state Legislature passed AB-413 with the goal of reducing traffic incidents.

The Daylighting technique is meant to increase visibility for drivers to see around corners at intersections.

A similar law is already used in 43 states.

HOW DOES IT WORK

Starting January 1, 2025, San Diego cops can issue warnings.

After a 60-day grace period that ends March 1, they’ll issue a $77.50 fine.

This is a result of a law which was passed in 2023.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PARKING

Over 16,000 intersections in the city of San Diego will be affected.

The city only added signage at about 100 of those locations so far.

The new law will also affect 164 metered parking spaces downtown.

San Diego has abolished meters from 97 spaces and moved another 67 meters back from the crosswalk, a statement revealed.

It added: “The evaluations and implementation of curbs and red curbs require significant employee resources to implement and are not required by California state law.

“We will continue curb evaluations with consideration of the limited staffing and funding resources the City has to account for 16,000 intersections.” 

HOW CAN “DAYLIGHING” IMPROVE SAFETY

Despite enforcing a Vision Zero plan in 2015 a decade ago to cut traffic deaths, pedestrian deaths by deadly collisions in San Diego have increased.

State data shows that in San Diego pedestrian deaths increased 25% and across California, 40% from 2014 to 2023.

This reflects national trends that show spurring pedestrian deaths.

Governors Highway Safety Association data showed that between 2010 and 2022, pedestrian fatality deaths rose 77% nationally while deaths for drivers and passengers increased nearly 25%.

The ultimate cause hasn’t been identified but theories include faster accelerations on larger cars and distractions by smartphones.

A City Transportation Department Director Bethany Bezak revealed in a statement: “Working together, we can prevent needless crashes and save lives, simply by changing how and where we park our vehicles.”

“This new law will bring us closer to our Vision Zero goals, and a future where everyone in San Diego may safely walk and ride.”