A new parking rule in California, which is set to impact Sacramento, could soon require drivers to park further away from intersections. This change, known as the “daylighting” law, was designed to help keep pedestrians safe and prevent accidents. But right now, the city is not issuing fines for violations. Here’s what you need to know about this new law and how it might affect your parking habits in the future.
What is the Daylighting Law?
The daylighting law, passed in 2023, states that drivers must park at least 20 feet away from an intersection. This rule aims to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. When cars park too close to intersections, it makes it harder for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic and for drivers to spot pedestrians waiting to cross the street.
In some cases, if the intersection has something called a “bulb out” — a section where the curb sticks out into the street — drivers can park 15 feet away instead of 20 feet. The law applies to all of California, but Sacramento is still in the process of figuring out how it will be enforced.
Why Was This Law Created?
The main goal of the daylighting law is to reduce accidents and protect pedestrians. In California, over 1,000 pedestrians die every year because of traffic accidents. Many more are seriously injured. Sacramento, in particular, has a high number of traffic deaths compared to other cities in the state. Last year alone, 20 pedestrians and cyclists were killed in the city.
By requiring drivers to park further from intersections, the law helps ensure that both drivers and pedestrians can see each other better, which can make a big difference in avoiding accidents.
What’s Happening in Sacramento?
Right now, Sacramento isn’t yet handing out parking tickets for violations of the new law. The city is still in the process of making plans to enforce the rule. According to Gabby Miller, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Public Works, city staff are currently issuing warnings to drivers instead of fines.
The city will need to approve a new fine amount before it can start issuing tickets. The Sacramento City Council is expected to decide on the fine amount as part of the city’s next budget, which will be passed in June. This means fines for violating the daylighting law may not start until July 2025.
How Much Could the Fine Be?
While it’s still unclear exactly how much the fine will be, it could be similar to the current fines for parking violations in Sacramento. For example, the fine for parking in a red zone is $100, and the fine for blocking a crosswalk is $60. So, it’s likely that a parking violation related to the daylighting law could also result in a fine of $60 or more.
What About Parking Meters and Signs?
The city is planning to add more parking signs and markings to help drivers know where they can and can’t park. Unlike other parking laws, the daylighting law doesn’t require curbs to be painted red or for “No Parking” signs to be present. However, Sacramento’s Department of Public Works will still make changes at many intersections to make the new rules easier to follow.
The city has not yet figured out how many parking spots will be affected by the new law, but they are working on a plan to make sure everything is clear for drivers and pedestrians.
What Should You Do Now?
If you live or drive in Sacramento, it’s a good idea to start paying attention to the space around intersections where you park. Make sure to leave enough distance — at least 20 feet — between your car and the intersection. If you see a “bulb out,” you may be able to park a little closer, but make sure to follow any signs or markings on the street to avoid getting a ticket when the fines are finally put in place.
Even though fines won’t start until later this year, it’s important to get used to the new rule now so you won’t have to worry about parking tickets when the law is fully enforced.
Conclusion
The daylighting law in California is a step toward improving safety for pedestrians and reducing traffic accidents. Sacramento is still figuring out the details of how the law will be enforced, but in the meantime, drivers should make sure they’re parking at least 20 feet away from intersections to stay on the safe side.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
