As reported by Inside San Diego, starting on Saturday, violating the law by parking too close to crosswalks will hit your wallet. San Diegans have been getting these warnings since the law was first implemented in January. Transportation Department Director Bethany Bezak emphasized via the City news the importance of compliance, saying, "It may take some time for San Diegans to get accustomed to it, but together we can make our roadways safer for all users."
The law in question forbids parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, aiming to boost visibility at intersections to reduce the risk of crashes. "The intent of the law is to improve visibility for drivers in vehicles approaching intersections," Inside San Diego reports so that they can see pedestrians, bicyclists, and others more clearly. A $65 fine topped with a $12.50 state administrative fee means offending motorists could be paying $77.50—equivalent to the fine for parking at a red curb in San Diego.
California's Assembly Bill 413, which mandates these changes, isn't just for San Diego's streets but stretches its reach across the whole state. In preparation for enforcement of AB 413, the City of San Diego conducted assessments at over a thousand busy intersections based on information obtained from Inside San Diego. Furthermore, 200 red curbs have been installed, and 97 parking meters have met their demise within the crucial 20-foot area to carve paths for clearer sightlines.
