New illegal parking law blasted by drivers facing $40 citations in weeks after city eliminated 300,000 spots
Since hundreds of warnings have already been given in one city, drivers are incensed over a new law that would destroy a significant number of parking spaces.
A new daylighting legislation in California will penalize cars in the New Year for parking within 20 feet of either designated or unmarked crosswalks.
In well-known locations like San Francisco, parking will become even more difficult due to the new California rule.
On Tuesday, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reported that since November 11, police have already warned over 375 vehicles for breaking the law.
To make it easier for cars to observe pedestrians crossing the street, a 20-foot buffer zone has been added on the approaching side of the road.
“By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions, people walking and people driving or riding on the street can see each other better,” the SFMTA stated on its website.
READ MORE ON PARKING LAWS
Regardless of whether the crosswalk they are parking close to has a painted red curb, drivers will still be subject to fines.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the SFMTA stated that the rule will eliminate roughly 275,500 street places, or 5% of the city’s parking spaces.
SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte stated, “We are doing outreach to make sure communities and businesses know what to expect when California’s Daylighting Law (takes effect).”
“We will continue to inform locals about AB 413 and citations that begin on January 1, 2025, through our public education effort.
When curbs are not painted red, citations will result in a $40 fine; when curbs are painted red, the same amount of $108 will be retained.
Some towns, like San Diego, will impose a 60-day grace period before the fines, which vary according on the jurisdiction, begin on January 1.
I was fined $130 after angry cyclist chased down my car – but then he was hit with costly ticket too
San Francisco car owners are incensed over the new law since it reduces parking space.
When police began issuing warnings earlier this month, resident Celina Preciado told NBC affiliate KNTV, “It’s already hard to find parking as it is.”
“It’s likely that we’ll need to take public transit more frequently now.
When asked by KNTV, “I think they should not do this at this time,” Masie Wong stated.
New ‘daylighting’ law
California has implemented a new parking ordinance.
The Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, California Assembly Bill 413, forbids parking within 20 feet of crosswalks.
Drivers are prohibited by law from stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of a crossing, whether it is marked or not.
The practice of maintaining the spaces adjacent to crossings as clear as possible to enhance street visibility and safeguard bicyclists and pedestrians is known as “daylighting.”
Additionally, the legislation forbids parking both private and business vehicles within 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions or within 20 feet of the left curb on one-way streets.
It becomes operative on January 1, 2025.
For infractions, there will be a grace period of sixty days until March 1.
“They should at least wait for the economy to get better.”
“20 is a little excessive!” said Jody Benson, a Facebook member.
“Eight parking spaces per crossing might be lost as a result. We will no longer be able to drive in San Francisco and hope to find parking.
Does this mean that we must always have a tape measure with us? Another irate Facebook user said, “Why not paint the curb red so we know?”
To help cars get used to the daylighting regulations, the San Francisco Supervisor told the Chronicle that he requested that the SFMTA paint more curbs red.
According to Preston, the organization must create a citywide daylighting strategy, paint curbs where parking would be forbidden, and communicate these changes to locals.
Read More on The US Sun
It erodes local trust and our joint efforts to reach our Vision Zero targets if we proceed without even painting the curbs red.
When contacted by The U.S. Sun, the SFMTA refused to comment further on the matter.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!