LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Police Department said it is planning to focus on enforcement of a new law with an aim to make the city more safe and walkable.

California's new “daylighting law” went into effect on Jan. 1.

The law, created by Assembly Bill No. 413, is now California Vehicle Code Section 22500(n). It was approved by the governor in October 2023.

The Legislative Counsel’s Digest explained, “Existing law prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle in certain places and under certain conditions, including within an intersection, on a sidewalk or crosswalk, or in front of a fire station. Existing law additionally authorizes local jurisdictions to, by ordinance, restrict parking in certain areas, at certain times, and for certain reasons, and to establish metered parking.

The new bill, according to the Legislative Counsel, prohibits “the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present, as specified. The bill would, prior to January 1, 2025, authorize jurisdictions to only issue a warning for a violation, and would prohibit them from issuing a citation for a violation, unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.”

“This law is designed to improve pedestrian safety by ensuring drivers and pedestrians have a clearer view of vehicles and drivers have a clearer view of pedestrians, reducing accidents and near-misses,” the Lakeport Police Department reported on its Facebook page.

“LPD will focus enforcement efforts in school zones and the downtown business corridor to help protect our community’s most vulnerable pedestrians. Please do your part to stay safe and obey the law. Together, we can make our streets safer for everyone!” the agency said.

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