A recent “daylighting” law in California aims to make it safer for pedestrians to cross streets. Daylighting refers to keeping a zone clear of vehicles for a certain distance. This will make it much easier for people walking, biking and driving to see each other. And increased visibility reduces the risk of collisions for everyone.

The new state law:

• Prohibits parking within 20 feet of any intersection (or 15 feet if there is a curb extension or “bulb-out”).
• Applies to the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Applies even if there are no signs or curb markings.

After Jan. 1, 2025, Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers can begin issuing citations. If you stop or park a vehicle within the clear zone, you could be ticketed $53 (Municipal Code 10.16.020 (b)).

To help remind drivers and mark the clear zone, we will be painting curbs in the city red. We are starting in areas with high pedestrian activity. This includes schools, senior communities and recreational facilities. In these areas, we also plan to paint both sides of the intersection and not just the approach side. This will exceed the requirements of the law to further improve pedestrian visibility.

You can let us know about vehicles parked in the clear zone by calling the non-emergency public safety number at 408-730-7100.

California Assembly Bill 413 – AB 413 was signed into law in October 2023. The law becomes enforceable Jan. 1, 2025.

Urban Street Design Guide – Read how visibility is essential to intersection safety (National Association of City Transportation Officials).

Sunnyvale Transportation Projects – Learn about the projects making our city more walkable and bikeable.