California Assembly Bill 413 creates a new section of the Vehicle Code, CVC 22500(n), which prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension anywhere in California. No paint or signs are necessary for the Parking Restriction to apply.
The diagram shows how the clearance of 20 feet can make a big
difference for street safety at painted and unpainted crosswalks.
Daylighting increases the field of view of both pedestrians crossing the street, and drivers pulling up to an intersection. The diagram above shows how much easier the extra space makes it to see the curbs and the entire crosswalk. This is especially important for children, who are less visible at intersections. Drivers get a clearer view of the intersection and can easily see if someone is waiting to cross from well in advance. For more information on how visibility is essential to the safety of intersections, check out the research from the experts at the National Association of City Transportation Officials.