News Summary
San Diego drivers face hefty fines due to the new daylighting law effective January 2023. This law restricts parking within 20 feet of intersections, leading to thousands of citations and frustrations over limited signage. City officials’ quick increase of fines raises concerns about revenue generation versus safety. Ongoing improvements in curb markings are planned, but the law’s enforcement has already tightened parking availability in urban neighborhoods, prompting a mix of compliance challenges and safety debates among residents and city planners.
San Diego drivers are facing heavy fines and parking challenges due to a new statewide daylighting law that took effect on January 1, 2023, with enforcement beginning in the city on March 1. The law prohibits parking within 20 feet of any intersection or crosswalk, regardless of existing red curbs or signage.
From March 1 to May 31, San Diego police issued a total of 6,429 citations, generating over $660,000 in fines. With city officials projecting that revenue from these fines could reach between $1.2 and $1.3 million by the end of the year, compliance with the law remains a significant concern for residents and city planners alike.
Many San Diego residents have expressed frustration regarding the implementation of the law, noting a lack of adequate signage and visual cues to inform drivers about the new parking restrictions. Neighborhoods such as North Park have reported confusion, as many drivers were unaware of the law due to limited red curb markings. This issue has contributed to the higher volume of citations issued, as numerous drivers have inadvertently violated the law.
In an unusual move, the city increased the initial fine for violating the daylighting rule from $77 to $117 just two days after the law’s enforcement began. This change has raised questions among residents about the intentions behind the law. The perception exists that the law may prioritize revenue generation over its stated goal of improving safety at intersections.
City officials have reported that city crews have painted red curbs at approximately 400 of the city’s 16,000 intersections to provide clearer legal parking boundaries. Despite these efforts, many intersections still lack necessary markings, leading to heightened challenges for drivers who may not be aware of the new regulations. The daylighting law applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks, meaning that violations can occur regardless of whether a crosswalk is clearly indicated.
The $117 fine for violating the 20-foot parking rule applies citywide and is an important consideration for residents navigating parking in urban environments. The city’s Independent Budget Analyst has noted a potential increase in annual revenue from daylighting citations, initially estimated at $850,000, which has since been revised upward to $1.3 million by a coalition of City Council members.
While city officials have a plan to gradually paint more curbs red as part of ongoing infrastructure projects, it may take years to cover all intersections in the city adequately. As a result, some residents have voiced that the law feels more like a “cash cow” for the city rather than an earnest attempt to enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Parking availability in urban neighborhoods has tightened significantly, making it even more difficult for residents to find proper parking spaces.
Despite these challenges, it is noted that parking violations may decrease over time as public awareness of the new law grows. City officials continue to encourage compliance with the daylighting regulations, underscoring the law’s goal of improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians to prevent collisions and enhance urban walkability.
As San Diego adjusts to the implications of the daylighting law, ongoing communication to residents will be essential in ensuring that compliance is achieved while addressing the parking challenges that have arisen in the city’s neighborhoods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego City Council Approves Paid Parking on Sundays
San Diego Enforces New Daylighting Law for Pedestrian Safety
Additional Resources
- CBS 8: Daylighting Law Hits San Diego Drivers
- Mercury News: California’s Daylighting Law
- San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego Issues Thousands of Tickets
- NBC San Diego: Daylighting Law Enforcement Begins
- Fox 5 San Diego: Tickets Given Out for Daylighting Law
- Wikipedia: Parking Regulations
- Google Search: San Diego Daylighting Law
- Google Scholar: Daylighting Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Regulation
- Google News: Daylighting Law San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
