DRIVERS have been left fuming over a new daylighting law that so far has seen some $660,000-worth of fines handed out.
A simple parking mistake in a US state can see anyone hit with a $117 fine – with the rule coming into play at the beginning of the year.
The law, which is designed to make intersections safer, has caught out plenty so far – according to a report by CBS8.
The “daylighting” law, AB 413, went into effect statewide across California on January 1 – but enforcement in San Diego only began on March 1.
It punishes those who park within 20 feet of the near side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk – in a bid to protect unsighted pedestrians from getting hit when trying to cross.
From March 1 through to May 31, San Diego police issued 6,429 citations – generating more than $660,000 in fines.
But that number could climb to $1.2 to $1.3 million by the year’s end, according to city officials.
In neighborhoods like North Park, the new rule has become a major headache for those looking to park – including local residents.
Vincent Thai, a college student in La Jolla, told reporters: “I think that’s good intentions but honestly, it’s something I completely forgot about.”
Other residents have complained they were blindsided by the fines increase from $77 to $117 just two days after enforcement began.
“If there’s no sign and no red curb, how am I supposed to know not to park there?” said North Park resident Luke Glass.
“Especially when you get home late at night and see that magic parking spot.”
The other issue is around curbs that are painted red, which are meant to serve as a warning to motorists to refrain from parking there.
City crews have painted curbs red at about 400 intersections – a small fraction of the city’s 16,000 – meaning most intersections have no visual cues to alert drivers.
One driver angered by this is Omar Flores, who’s been hit by multiple tickets.
He said: “I mean, people don’t carry tape measures around.”
Another North Park resident, Eric Hansen, believes the law is ultimately necessary.
“Now I think you should be able to see pedestrians a lot easier,” he said.
“It’s going to make it harder to park, but I’d rather be able to walk more safely.”
Another issue is related to the city’s motives – with suggestions the city may be relying on the fines to avoid deeper cuts.
“I do see it’s a law that’s supposed to have good intentions,” said Thai.
“But yeah, I could really see it as some kind of cash cow.”
The daylighting rule applies to marked crosswalks as well as unmarked ones.
The city says that more curbs will be painted over time as part of routine paving and infrastructure work.
This process, though, could take many years to complete.
Drivers are reminded that violating the 20-foot rule can earn drivers a $117 fine citywide.
New 'daylighting' law
A new parking law has been introduced in California.
California Assembly Bill 413, also known as the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks.
The law makes it illegal for drivers to stop, stand, or park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Daylighting is a term for keeping the areas next to intersections as clear as possible to improve visibility on the street and protect pedestrians and bike riders.
The law also prohibits parking personal and commercial vehicles within 20 feet of the left curb on one-way streets or within 15 feet of crosswalks where a curb extension is present.
The law goes into effect on January 1, 2025.
There will be a 60-day grace period for violations until March 1.
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