If you've driven, walked, or biked around the East Bay lately — in neighborhoods like Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, or San Leandro — you may have noticed some changes near crosswalks. That's thanks to California’s new Daylighting Law, aimed at making our streets safer for everyone.

 

"Daylighting" is about clearing space near crosswalks so drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists have better visibility. Without cars parked too close, people crossing the street no longer have to "inch out" into traffic to see what's coming. And drivers have a much better view of pedestrians waiting to cross, especially children or wheelchair users who might otherwise be hidden by parked vehicles.

 

 

Source: Calbike

 

Here’s what the new law requires:

 

• No parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

• If there’s a curb extension (bulb-out), the no-parking distance is 15 feet.

• The rule applies even if the curb isn’t painted red or there’s no signage.

Before AB 413, California was one of only 10 states without parking restrictions near crosswalks, despite having some of the highest pedestrian injury rates in the country.

 

1. New Red Curb Paint: Some cities are repainting curbs near crosswalks — 20 feet from the intersection, or 15 feet if there’s a bulb-out to clearly mark the no-parking zones. Not all curbs will be painted right away, but many cities are phasing it in.
   
   
2. No Parking Signs: You might spot new signs reading "No Parking Within 20 Feet of Crosswalk," especially near schools and busy intersections. These help drivers even where curb paint hasn’t yet been added.
   
   
3. Unmarked but Enforced: Even if you don’t see red paint or signs, the law still applies. Parking too close to a crosswalk can result in a ticket, so it’s smart to get familiar with the new requirements.
   
   
4. Improved Sightlines: Where daylighting is being followed, you’ll notice fewer cars parked at corners, giving everyone — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians — a much clearer view.
   
   
5. Curb Extensions (Bulb-outs): Some cities are also adding curb extensions that narrow the street and shorten crossing distances, making intersections even safer.

Berkeley has committed $1.25 million to update curbs and crosswalks. Officers initially issued warnings, but starting April 1, 2025, they began writing tickets — even if curbs aren't marked yet. Oakland has been actively repainting curbs and running public education campaigns. After a warning period, full enforcement is now underway. Other cities like El Cerrito, Albany, Richmond, and San Leandro are continuing their daylighting efforts through 2025.

 

Wherever you live — whether it’s Richmond’s North & East neighborhood, Solano Avenue in Albany, or near Lake Merritt in Oakland — here’s what you can do:

 

• Avoid parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, even if there’s no red curb or sign.

• Stay alert for new curb paint and signs.

• Spread the word — safer streets are a shared responsibility.

Small changes like daylighting help keep our East Bay neighborhoods vibrant, safe, and welcoming — whether you’re driving to the farmers market, biking to a café, or walking the kids to school.

 

Stay safe — and see you around the neighborhood!