The enforcement of a new California law aimed at protecting pedestrians at busy intersections is just weeks away.

In Linda Vista, cars and trucks navigate the neighborhoods daily. At the intersection of Fulton Street and Lavant Street, drivers often don’t exercise caution. With no stop sign and vehicles parked close to the crosswalks, visibility is reduced.

John Barrett, a resident for over 40 years, commented, “People don’t pay attention; they’re focused on driving. If you’re standing behind a parked car waiting to cross, you need to be careful because they’ll go.” He and his wife, Gabriella, have witnessed numerous close calls between pedestrians and vehicles.

Gabriella noted in Spanish that the area’s growing population and ongoing construction have led to insufficient parking.

The new California law, AB413, is called the “daylighting” law due to its aim of improving visibility. It prohibits parking or stopping of personal and commercial vehicles within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, statewide. This rule applies to all curbs, regardless of whether they are red striped.

The City of San Diego has already begun painting more curbs red, while other cities in the county are implementing their own plans at their own pace.

The purpose behind this change is to increase drivers’ visibility range. Jeremy Bloom, Interim CEO of Circulate San Diego, stated, “This is necessary because pedestrian deaths have risen over the last decade, partly due to larger vehicles and higher speeds. This measure is aimed at saving lives.”

The daylighting law will be enforced starting Jan. 1, 2025, with warnings issued during the initial months before actual citations are given. Fines for violations will vary depending on the jurisdiction where a vehicle obstructs a crosswalk.

Further information is available on the City of San Diego’s website.