Daylighting Program
Enhancing Safety at Our Crosswalks
The City of Emeryville is committed to improving street safety for everyone. As part of this commitment, we are implementing California's new daylighting law, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), to make our crosswalks safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This page provides information about what daylighting is, the new state law, and how Emeryville is putting it into practice.
What is Daylighting?
Daylighting is a safety measure that increases visibility at intersections by keeping the areas closest to crosswalks free of parked cars. This simple change creates a clear line of sight between people driving and people walking or cycling, significantly reducing the chance of collisions. By removing visual barriers, daylighting helps drivers see pedestrians waiting to cross, and allows those crossing to see oncoming traffic without stepping into the street.
California's Daylighting Law (AB 413)
As of January 1, 2025, a new state law, AB 413, makes daylighting a requirement across California. The law states that it is illegal to stop, stand, or park a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach to any marked or unmarked crosswalk. For intersections with curb extensions, this distance is 15 feet.
This 20-foot zone applies even if the curb is not painted red. The goal is to ensure a safe and visible space for everyone using our streets.
Example Scenarios
Figure 1 - 20 Feet No Parking Zone at a Typical Intersection
Figure 2 - 15 Feet No Parking Zone at Curb Extension/Bulb-out
Figure 3 - 20 Feet No Parking Zones on a One-Way Street
Why Daylighting Matters for Emeryville
Daylighting is a proven tool for creating safer streets. The benefits include:
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable: It creates a safer environment for all pedestrians, especially children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Clearer Views for All: It gives drivers an unobstructed view of people waiting to cross and allows pedestrians to see approaching vehicles without being hidden by a parked car.
Encouraging Active Transportation: By making walking and biking safer, daylighting supports our city's goals for a more active and sustainable community.
Emeryville's Implementation Plan
The City of Emeryville is taking a thoughtful and proactive approach to implementing the new daylighting law.
Curb Markings: We will be painting curbs red to clearly mark the 20-foot (or 15-foot at curb extensions) no-parking zones at intersections throughout the city. This will be done in phases, with a focus on areas with high pedestrian activity, such as near schools, parks, and commercial districts. Emeryville has approved red curbs to be installed at citywide daylighting zones per Transportation and Sustainability Committee meeting on July 8, 2025. All of the daylighting zones are to be painted by the end of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
Physical Safety Measures: Where appropriate, we will use physical objects like plastic bollards or bike corrals to clearly define the no-parking zones and prevent vehicles from parking too close to crosswalks. This provides a clear visual cue and a physical barrier. These additional safety measures will be analyzed and implemented as part of our annual Sustainable Streetscapes Projects.
Public Education and Outreach: We are committed to educating our community about these changes. This informational page is one part of our effort to ensure everyone understands the new law and how it will be applied in Emeryville.
What You Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2025, be mindful of the 20-foot and 15-foot rules at all crosswalks, whether the curb is painted or not. Twenty feet is approximately the length of one standard car.
Pay attention to new red curbs and other physical markers that indicate no-parking zones.
By following the new law, you are playing an active role in making Emeryville's streets safer for your neighbors and fellow community members.
Contact Us
For more information about the City of Emeryville's Daylighting Program, please contact the Public Works Department at public_works@emeryville.org