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In 2023, California took a bold step toward reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities by enacting Assembly Bill 413, also known as the Daylighting Law. This critical piece of legislation aims to protect pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, which are some of the most dangerous areas on California’s roads.
As part of the broader Vision Zero legislation in California, this law prohibits vehicles from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at intersections that lack traffic signals or stop signs.
While it may seem like a minor adjustment, the California daylighting law 2023 represents a major advancement in promoting visibility, slowing drivers near intersections, and, ultimately, preventing crashes in cities like Santa Barbara, where foot and bike traffic continues to rise.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we have long represented victims of intersection accidents, many of whom were injured in situations where poor visibility played a key role.
What Is Daylighting?
Daylighting is a term used in urban planning to describe the removal of visual obstructions, particularly parked vehicles, near intersections and crosswalks.
By keeping the area directly adjacent to a crosswalk clear, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians have better line-of-sight visibility, allowing them to react sooner and avoid collisions.
Until recently, the decision to implement daylighting was left to local governments. Assembly Bill 413 changes that by making daylighting a statewide standard.
Key Details of AB 413
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) has been updated under AB 413 to prohibit parking within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk at intersections without traffic lights or stop signs.
Specifically, the law:
- Applies to intersections controlled only by yield signs or with no signage at all
- Affects both marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Gives local governments the discretion to paint curbs or place signage for enforcement
The intersection visibility law is designed to enhance safety in lower-speed, uncontrolled intersections, many of which are found in neighborhoods and dense urban cores like downtown Santa Barbara.
Why This Matters in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s charming, walkable neighborhoods and vibrant downtown area attract high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists. But with narrow streets, parked cars lining intersections, and increasing vehicle traffic, the risk of crosswalk-related accidents has grown significantly.
Before the California daylighting law, vehicles could park close enough to corners to block sightlines. Drivers turning right often could not see pedestrians until it was too late. Cyclists had to inch into crosswalks to look around parked SUVs. For children, wheelchair users, or shorter individuals, these blind spots proved especially dangerous.
By clearing 20 feet of space near crosswalks, the law gives all road users more time to see and react, reducing the likelihood of devastating collisions.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Injury Statistics in California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- Nearly 7,500 pedestrians were injured in vehicle collisions statewide in 2022
- Over 4,000 cyclists were seriously injured or killed
- Intersection-related incidents accounted for a significant share of these injuries
Many of these accidents involved drivers who claimed they did not see the pedestrian or cyclist, an excuse often tied to poor visibility caused by parked vehicles. The pedestrian safety law in California helps remove that excuse and sets a clearer standard of care.
How Daylighting Affects Crosswalk Injury Claims
For Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys, the daylighting law adds another tool when establishing driver negligence. In cases involving crosswalk collisions, the daylighting law can be used in the following ways.
Demonstrating Visibility Standards
If a driver parks illegally within 20 feet of a crosswalk, they could be cited for both a traffic violation and creating a hazardous obstruction. In the event of a crash, this behavior can establish a breach of duty of care.
Strengthening Negligence Claims
In a crosswalk injury claim, showing that a driver failed to account for pedestrians—even when visibility was legally required—can tip the scales in favor of the injured party. This is especially relevant when litigating cases with disputed fault or minimal witness testimony.
Supporting Premises and Municipal Liability Claims
In some cases, if a city fails to mark or enforce daylighting zones and an injury occurs, there may be grounds for a claim against the municipality for poor urban planning or failure to maintain safe pedestrian environments.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we investigate every angle of a personal injury case, including how new laws like AB 413 apply to your specific circumstances.
What Drivers Can Do to Be Compliant
Drivers across California must adjust their parking habits to avoid daylighting violations. Here’s how:
- Know the law: If you are parking near an intersection without a traffic light or stop sign, stay at least 20 feet away from the crosswalk.
- Look for markings: While curb painting is optional, it is not required for enforcement. Assume daylighting rules apply, even if curbs are not painted red.
- Expect increased enforcement: As local cities like Santa Barbara implement Vision Zero strategies, enforcement of new bike and pedestrian safety laws in California is likely to increase.
- Avoid crosswalk blind spots: Parking too close is not just illegal—it is dangerous. Even if a citation does not result, an accident might.
How NordstrandBlack PC Can Help
At NordstrandBlack PC, we represent pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users throughout Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. With the California daylighting law 2023 now in effect, we are leveraging this legislation to build stronger, clearer, and more effective personal injury cases.
Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, sideswiped on your bike, or injured because a driver violated your right-of-way, we can help determine how this new law affects your claim and hold the responsible party accountable.
Speak With Our Trusted Pedestrian and Cyclist Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crosswalk injury accident, do not wait. With new intersection visibility laws like California’s daylighting mandate in effect, your case may be stronger than ever.
Call NordstrandBlack PC today at (805) 962-2022 to schedule a free consultation with our pedestrian and cyclist accident attorneys. Let us help you pursue justice, protect your rights, and push for a safer California.