San Diego’s new “daylighting law,” AB-413, draws a new line in the sand when it comes to parking near intersections and crosswalks.
But drivers are frustrated that the new line isn’t marked on the city’s curbs, where no-parking zones have traditionally been painted red.
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Now anyone who parks within 20 feet of crosswalks can be fined $117 — even if the curb is not painted red, and even if there are no signs explaining the rules.
“If there’s no sign and no red curb, how am I supposed to know not to park there?” Luke Glass, a North Park resident, complained to CBS News 8 San Diego.
New parking law is profitable for city
While the new law was touted as a measure to improve pedestrian safety, some drivers wonder if it’s a cash grab to address San Diego’s budgetary shortfall.
"I do see it’s a law that’s supposed to have good intentions,” Vincent Thai said. “But yeah, I could really see it as some kind of cash cow.”
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Tickets issued between March 1 and May 1 this year have already generated $660,000 for San Diego, which anticipates $1.2 million in revenue by year-end as a result of the new law.
City officials insist safety is their motivation and that the changes will make the area more walkable. Some residents, like North Park local Eric Hansen, support the “daylighting law.”
"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.”
But Omar Flores, who has been ticketed multiple times under the new law would prefer being able to see the no-parking zones along with the pedestrians.
To date, only around 400 of the 16,000 intersections in the city have been painted red, so there’s no way for drivers to tell where the 20-foot no-parking zone is at most intersections.
"I mean, people don’t carry tape measures around,” Flores added.
How to avoid a ticket under the new parking law
Residents of San Diego who want to avoid being ticketed under AB 413 need to make sure they avoid parking near crosswalks so they don’t run afoul of the rules.
No matter where you live, if you want to avoid parking tickets, pay attention to any changes to local parking infractions.
Local media can be a good source of information about new parking restrictions.
You can also check the website of your city council and of local representatives to get regular updates.
If you do believe you were ticketed unfairly, you can challenge it.
You might consider reaching out to an attorney who can help you avoid a fine you don’t deserve.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
