A DRIVER has criticized a new daylighting law that’s come to a US state that saw him pick up two $117 fines in just a week.
The newly effective state law, which prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, has resulted in over 4,300 tickets in a major city so far.
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Naturally, residents in densely populated neighborhoods are the ones hardest hit by the penalties – and it’s causing widespread frustration.
The ruling officially came into play at the very start of the year, on January 1, but wasn’t enforced until March 1 – giving car owners two months to adjust.
Aimed at improving pedestrian safety, it requires drivers to leave a 20-foot buffer zone when parking with the front of their car facing a crosswalk.
But many believe the rules are unclear and the fines are steep.
One driver, Zack Gilman, told CBS8 reporters he’s already picked up two tickets for violating the new law – with the actual fine a cool $117.
“It’s really bad. It’s really bad… and there’s not a lot of room for anybody to be here,” he said.
“If it was like a normal, you know, parking ticket- $30- I wouldn’t mind. But $100 twice in like one week is crazy.”
For the majority of drivers in San Diego, California, tickets have been issued in Normal Heights, North Park, as well as the beach communities.
MARKED UP
Officials have urged drivers to be mindful of the fact that they can receive a ticket even if the curb isn’t painted red.
This, they believe, is catching many out.
Gilman said: “A lot of the places aren’t really marked that clearly. They say it could be unpainted, and you can still get a ticket for it.”
But not all residents agree, as many see the value in the new law.
Alex Ho, who frequents Fern and Luna in North Park, along with his dogs, said: “Oh, I think anything that makes pedestrians more visible to cars is really a good thing.
“I understand that some people think North Park has a lot of parking problems, but I think it’s also a very walkable neighborhood that I walk around a lot in, and so I appreciate any measure that helps keep pedestrians safer.”
Elsewhere, drivers in a US state have shared mixed views over a new proficiency law that’s forcing them to take a test.
Worse still, failing the test can lead to a hefty fine and even job loss.
Truck drivers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their English proficiency under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
Issued on Monday, the ruling requires all truckers using U.S. highways to be able to read traffic signs and communicate with law enforcement and safety officials.
The law defines “proficiency” as the ability to understand road signage and interact with agencies such as traffic safety departments, border patrol, and checkpoints.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers who fail to meet the standard could be pulled from service, with enforcement set to begin in approximately 60 days.
New ‘daylighting’ law
A new parking law has been introduced in California.
California Assembly Bill 413, also known as the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks.
The law makes it illegal for drivers to stop, stand, or park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Daylighting is a term for keeping the areas next to intersections as clear as possible to improve visibility on the street and protect pedestrians and bike riders.
The law also prohibits parking personal and commercial vehicles within 20 feet of the left curb on one-way streets or within 15 feet of crosswalks where a curb extension is present.
The law goes into effect on January 1, 2025.
There will be a 60-day grace period for violations until March 1.