California's new "daylighting" law seeks to protect pedestrians by banning parking near crosswalks

A new California law designed to better protect pedestrians near crosswalks will go into effect come Jan. 1.

The "daylighting" law, which refers to Assembly Bill 413, will ban parking within 20 feet of marked or unmarked crosswalks across the Golden State. In turn, lawmakers believe it will increase visibility near intersections and protect pedestrians. 

It will apply to all intersections statewide, regardless of if a red curb or no parking sign is present. 

Lawmakers say that the change will improve the range of vision for drivers, which will allow them to better see pedestrians, bike riders, skateboarders or any other road users near intersections. 

Traffic experts say that the new law will increase "daylight" visibility and lead to less accidents.  

For the first 60 days of enforcement, police will issue warnings, but as soon as March 1, motorists who are found in violation will face a $65 fine, plus a $12.50 state-mandated administrative fee. 

California now joins 43 other states that have similar daylighting laws.