You could get fined $63 for ‘daylighting’: Here’s what you need to know

Don’t be surprised if you walk outside to find a ticket on your car for parking too close to a marked crosswalk — a violation known as “daylighting.”

California’s Daylighting Law officially went into effect in January 2025, but law enforcement agencies have been abiding by a grace period to give motorists more time to absorb the new law aimed at protecting pedestrians.

But that all ends now. Parking enforcement departments across Southern California have declared they will be cracking down on violators. Here’s everything you need to know:

What is ‘daylighting’ exactly?

It prohibits parking within 20 feet of the “approach side” of a crosswalk, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department website. The “approach side” is just the section of a street the driver sees before reaching the crosswalk. If there’s a curb extension near the crosswalk, that clearance drops to 15 feet, which is roughly the length of a four-door sedan.

What is the point?

Keeping this area clear allows everyone involved — pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers, parents pushing a stroller and even motorists — plenty of time to see each other and proceed safely.

Imagine trying to cross the street, but you can’t look both ways because there are cars blocking your view, so you have to carefully poke your head out. Now, imagine trying to do that if you are walking a dog or pushing a carriage or you’re with a youngster on a bike.

“Parking legally helps improve visibility, increases safety for pedestrians and motorists and keeps roadways accessible for everyone,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

How big of a problem is this?

Nearly 36% of pedestrian deaths occur at intersections, so this law could help prevent those dangerous situations, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department fact sheet. Long Beach is also experiencing a traffic safety crisis, with 65% of all traffic deaths and serious injuries being linked to pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist collisions.

Will I see a sign warning me about where I should or shouldn’t park?

Maybe, maybe not. Bottom line: It’s up to you to remember this. It doesn’t matter if the curb next to the crosswalk is painted red or not.

What happens if I park too close to a crosswalk?

If you choose to ignore this law, the punishment in L.A. County is a $63 ticket.

If you plan on contesting the citation because there was no sign, you’re probably out of luck. The grace period technically ended statewide in March 2025 and in November 2025 for L.A. County. Still, SoCal law enforcement agencies have been trying to raise awareness in the months since then instead of just resorting to tickets. But that is ending now, they say.

In Costa Mesa, for example, the police department has been handing out public flyers and created online videos to raise awareness. “Everybody here in Costa Mesa had a chance to really get acquainted” with the problems created by daylighting, said Roxi Fyad, the public affairs manager for Costa Mesa’s police department. “Our residents are very respectful of it.”