Golden State Today

The Goleta Police Department has announced the implementation of a new law in California, Assembly Bill 413, known as the "California Daylighting Law." This legislation took effect on January 1, 2025. The law restricts stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension. It specifically applies to vehicles parked along the right side of the road as they approach intersections.

Violators can now receive parking citations under this new regulation. The purpose of the law is to enhance visibility at intersections and improve safety for pedestrians, skateboarders, and other road users. By doing so, it aims to reduce accidents and save lives.

The legislation states: "Drivers cannot park along the right side of the road, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, whether it’s marked or unmarked," and "Drivers cannot park along the right side of the road, within 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension."

This measure was introduced following incidents where pedestrians were severely injured or killed while crossing streets. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities in California were 25% higher than the national average. Fatalities increased from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021. Similar laws have been adopted by 43 other states with positive outcomes in reducing traffic collisions involving pedestrians.

While acknowledging that street parking can be challenging in local neighborhoods due to limited space, the Goleta Police Department emphasizes that this law is part of broader efforts to decrease pedestrian-related traffic incidents.

Police services for Goleta are provided by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office.