As we dive into 2024, new laws are going into effect, and one in particular is drawing the attention of SF residents, especially those who park in the city.
Assembly Bill No. 413 prohibits vehicles from parking or stopping within 20 feet of the vehicle’s approach side of a marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet for a crosswalk with a curb extension. Governor Newsom signed the bill back in October, and it went into effect on January 1st, 2024. Until 2025, you can only receive a warning, not a citation, for violating the law unless an area is marked with a sign or paint.
The intent of the bill is to make intersections safer by increasing visibility to increase the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
The bill was authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, who stated “The signing of the legislation represents a simple, but important step forward to improving California’s road safety. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average. By increasing critical visibility of our streets, this bill will help prevent fatal accidents.”
The law inevitably impacts the number of available parking spaces in San Francisco. In a city like SF, with many crosswalks, drivers can expect a decrease in the number of street parking spaces available.
Other new laws in California
The state also signed in various other laws across multiple issues including workers rights, voter access, mental health, public safety and more. You can learn more about the new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2024 on the Office of Governor Newsome’s website.