A recent amendment to Section 22500 of the Vehicle Code is cracking down on parking in crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. From now on, you can’t park your car within 20 feet of a crosswalk—whether it’s marked or not—unless there’s a curb extension, in which case the limit is 15 feet. Local authorities will issue warnings starting January 1, 2025, but after that, you’ll be looking at fines if you park in these restricted areas. However, there’s a bit of flexibility for parking bikes or unloading commercial vehicles, as long as the area is clearly marked. So, before you park too close to a crosswalk, make sure it’s not a ticket trap—your safety and the pedestrians’ just became a bigger priority!
