In January 2024, California Assembly Bill (AB) 413 became effective. Known as the “Daylighting” law, it is designed to make intersections safer for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. More specifically, the new law makes it illegal to park, stop, or stand a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk, whether painted or not (unmarked). While the law went into effect in 2024, a grace period allowed law enforcement to issue warnings for violations. That grace period ended on December 31, 2024.
Since January 2025, law enforcement has been authorized to issue citations for violations of the 20 ft. rule. It has also helped pedestrian and bicycle accident injury attorneys prove the negligence of the violating driver.
Learn more about our Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Attorney Services.
What Is the Approach Side of a Crosswalk?
As a car travels along on a two-way street, the restricted area is only on the right-hand side of the road, immediately before an upcoming crosswalk (as a driver would approach it). On a one-way street, the restricted area would apply to the left and right-hand curb areas, 20 ft. from the crosswalk.
What Is an Unmarked Crosswalk?
According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 275, a crosswalk is defined in two ways:
First, there is the familiar “marked” crosswalk, a portion of the roadway designated explicitly for pedestrian crossings, usually marked with painted solid parallel lines or stripes.
In simplified terms, an unmarked crosswalk is one where two roads meet at approximately right angles. If you imagine that a sidewalk continues through the roadway to meet the sidewalk on the other side, that entire invisible rectangular area is legally considered an unmarked crosswalk. Note: Exceptions exist. If a sidewalk crosses an alley, or if a “No Crossing” sign is in place, or any other sign that prohibits pedestrian usage, it would not be considered an unmarked crosswalk.
How AB 413 Affects Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Know Your Rights
Sacramento is consistently ranked as having high pedestrian injury and fatality rates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) logged over 6,200 pedestrian deaths in the U.S. in 2018.
For the year 2022, among California counties, Sacramento County’s numbers were significant:
- Fourth-highest county in California for pedestrian fatalities
- Third-highest county in California for pedestrian fatalities per 100k population in 2022
- Fourth-highest county in California for serious pedestrian injuries in 2022
For over 30 years, Eason & Tambornini has helped victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents get the compensation they deserve by holding responsible parties accountable. Now, with AB 413, negligent Sacramento drivers face much clearer liability than before the law’s enactment.
The Impact of AB 413 on Sacramento Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims
AB 413 provides a more straightforward pathway to full compensation for victims of pedestrian and bicycle traffic accidents.
The new rule makes it easier to prove driver negligence and is designed to keep good visibility between pedestrians and vehicles. Here’s an example: Under the new law, if a car is illegally parked within 20 feet of the crosswalk, and another driver hits a pedestrian or bicyclist, the injured party could make a claim against the driver of the car, but also the owner of the illegally parked vehicle, as they blocked the view of the car and pedestrian. So, AB 413 helps provide undeniable evidence that a safety violation contributed to the injury.
As a pedestrian- and bicyclist-heavy urban area with multiple high-risk zones and limited parking in many downtown and midtown neighborhoods, AB 413 has become a valuable tool for personal injury claims in Sacramento.
What To Do If You Are Struck by a Vehicle in Sacramento
First, call for medical attention immediately. If you are able, try to collect images of the intersection, including where cars are parked relative to the crosswalk and the accident scene. Next, call a Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies will not explain AB 413; it is up to you to seek legal assistance to protect your rights.
AB 413: A Powerful Tool for Pedestrian Accident Attorneys is Available
This new law, now over a year old, is increasingly relied upon in pedestrian and bicycle accident injury claims. It helps personal injury attorneys hold negligent drivers responsible and directly aids the effort to secure maximum compensation for victims.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Sacramento, call a local personal injury attorney who can maximize your compensation by utilizing AB 413. We offer a free consultation and case review, with no up-front cost. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
Call Eason & Tambornini today at (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free consultation.