City crews prepare intersections for enforcement of California parking law
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Police can ticket cars parked too close to crosswalks in the city starting in 2025. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
City crews have taken out or moved more than 100 parking meters near intersections, mostly downtown, to help improve pedestrian safety.
Why it matters: The goal is to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries by making it easier for drivers to see people crossing the street.
Context: Each year, about 25% of traffic fatalities and half of all traffic injuries nationwide are attributed to intersections, per the Federal Highway Administration.
Driving the news: The local work is in preparation for enforcement of California's "daylighting" law that prevents drivers statewide from parking within 20 feet of any intersection. Crosswalks with curb extensions require a 15-foot buffer.
- Crews also started painting curbs red and putting up "no parking" signs at intersections with heavy traffic. But they won't be able to mark every curb as there are 16,000 intersections in the city.
- Starting Jan. 1, drivers can get citations for violations even in unmarked areas.
Zoom in: San Diego police will start issuing warnings for illegally-parked cars in January, and handing out tickets on March 1.
- Patrols will be more aggressive downtown and in urban neighborhoods than residential ones, per the Union-Tribune.
- The proposed fine is $65, and needs city council approval.
