(NEXSTAR) – A new law, taking effect Jan. 1, 2025, could leave you with a parking ticket if you're not careful. The law, officially called Assembly Bill 413 but more commonly known as a "Daylighting Law" takes effect across California in 2025. It bans drivers from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk to make intersections safer for pedestrians. The law applies whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked and regardless of if the curb is painted red. San Francisco and other California cities have been working to put up signage and paint curbs to make it easier for drivers to navigate the new normal, but they acknowledge not all curbs will be painted red in time. If the crosswalk is marked, you'll need to leave 20 feet of space when you're parking facing the crosswalk. That means that on a two-way street, only the right side that approaches the crosswalk is impacted. On a one-way street, however, both sides need the 20-foot gap left open. (Courtesy SFMTA) The same rules apply when the crosswalk is unmarked, as shown in the diagram from SFMTA below. Cities have some local control to paint the curb red for a shorter or longer length than 20 feet. If you see a red curb, follow that guidance. If there's no curb paint, leave 20 feet between your hood and the crosswalk. (Courtesy SFMTA) How far is 20 feet exactly? It's a bit longer than a big SUV, so leave a generous car-length of space to ensure you don't get ticketed. If a curb extension or bulb-out (like this one) is present at the crosswalk, you can get a little closer. In these cases, you'll need to leave 15 feet of space. So far, SFMTA has been issuing warnings, but starting in January the agency will begin issuing citations. Tickets start at $40, according to SFMTA. California is late to the game when it comes to daylighting. Forty-three states now have similar measures in place banning parking near crosswalks. Advocates say the change will make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. People waiting to cross the street – especially smaller children – will have an easier time spotting if a car is coming without having to poke their head out past a parked car. Drivers will also have a clearer view as they approach an intersection and will be better able to see if someone is waiting to cross the street. San Francisco has already seen 30 traffic fatalities this year, according to city data. Twenty of those people were killed while walking. But the change is also expected to make it harder to find curbside parking, eliminating an estimated 10,000 spaces in San Francisco.