Heads up, Sacramento drivers: Parking close to crosswalks might now lightly dent your wallet. A new city enforcement, kicking off this month, introduces a $25 fine for those parked too close to pedestrian zones in an effort to boost safety and visibility at intersections. The City of Sacramento reports that this move is to ensure drivers comply with Assembly Bill 413, which seeks to clear sightlines at crosswalks by eliminating vehicles from the immediate vicinity - a concept known as "daylighting".
The specifics are simple: Citations will start to be issued to vehicles parked within 20 feet of a crosswalk's approach side or 15 feet from a crosswalk with a curb extension. Staci Hovermale, City Parking Manager, explained, "This new citation helps align local enforcement with state law and reinforces the City of Sacramento’s commitment to safer street design." Drivers should already start to quickly adapt to these changes despite the absence of red painted curbs or clear signage indicating the new regulation.
Parking enforcement officers were on a warning spree before the July 1st roll-out date of actual fines, distributing notices while the city works on removing metered parking and installing appropriate signs. Drivers are expected to observe the rules regardless if signs are up or not. The rules explicitly forbid parking, stopping, or standing within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, and within 15 feet if there's a curb extension.
Those caught in violation will face a $25 citation, a seemingly small price to pay for what's deemed a significant step towards creating a safer environment for not just pedestrians, but cyclists and drivers alike. "By keeping the first 20 feet before crosswalks clear, we’re creating safer spaces for everyone—whether they’re walking, biking, driving or using a mobility device," Hovermale told the City of Sacramento. The fine and its associated regulation details can be found listed on the City's website, ensuring transparency and public accessibility to all city and state parking violations.
