Introduction to the New Law
The state recently enacted a law that a vehicle cannot park closer than 20 feet when approaching a street corner. This law, known as the Daylighting Law, took effect on Jan. 1 and aims to make it easier for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in California to see one another.
Understanding the Daylighting Law
The Daylighting Law concerns the right side as you approach the intersection on a two-way street. However, how it works is not clear-cut. Detective Ryan McHugh, in the Traffic Bureau, said that when there is a marked crosswalk, the 20 feet is measured from the closest painted edge of it.
A non-painted crosswalk isn’t as clear, and traditionally, the 20 feet would be measured from where the concrete ramp is installed to allow a pedestrian to enter the roadway.
Exceptions to the Law
If there is a so-called curb extension — where the parkway juts out into the street — then parking is against the law for 15 feet. Local governments can make exceptions. In Riverside, the first violation would likely bring about a warning, with subsequent violations getting the driver a citation.
Enforcement of the Law
Under the state law, red paint along the curb is not required for a citation to be issued. However, this has raised concerns about how motorists are supposed to know where the 20-foot mark is, with some arguing that it would require them to hop out with tape measures.
Clean Air Vehicle Program
There has been uncertainty surrounding the Clean Air Vehicle program, which was set to end but got extended through November. However, there is no evidence of the U.S. Congress stepping in to extend the program further. California’s 26-year-old program was meant to nudge consumers into environmentally friendly vehicles, and its fate remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The new Daylighting Law aims to improve visibility and safety for all road users, but its implementation and enforcement have raised some questions. As for the Clean Air Vehicle program, its future remains uncertain, and motorists will have to wait and see if there are any further developments.
FAQs
Q: How is the 20-foot distance measured for the Daylighting Law?
A: The 20-foot distance is measured from the closest painted edge of a marked crosswalk or from where the concrete ramp is installed to allow a pedestrian to enter the roadway for non-painted crosswalks.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the Daylighting Law?
A: Yes, local governments can make exceptions, and there are different rules for curb extensions.
Q: What is the status of the Clean Air Vehicle program?
A: The program was set to end but got extended through November, and its future remains uncertain.
Q: How will the end of the Clean Air Vehicle program affect motorists?
A: Once the program ends, solo drivers with Clean Air Vehicle stickers will no longer be able to use carpool lanes.
