San Diego is rolling out important changes to its traffic regulations that every driver needs to know. Starting this year, new rules on right turns at red lights and parking near crosswalks are aimed at improving pedestrian safety and easing traffic flow. These updates could affect your daily drive, so understanding what’s new and how to comply is crucial.
What Are the Current Rules for Right Turn on Red in California?
Under California law, making a right turn on red is generally allowed after coming to a complete stop. However, drivers must obey these exceptions:
- No Turn on Red Signs: At intersections where such signs are posted, right turns on red are prohibited.
- Red Arrow Signals: If a red arrow points right, turning right on red is not permitted.
- Yielding Rules: Drivers must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles before making the turn.
San Diego’s local government also has authority to restrict right turns on red at specific intersections for safety or traffic flow reasons, based on their city street design policies.
New Restrictions on Right Turns at Red Lights
The City of San Diego is updating its Street Design Manual to include more stringent guidelines that prohibit right turns on red in areas with heavy pedestrian activity. This move responds to concerns about pedestrian safety and aims to reduce accidents at busy crosswalks. Locations with frequent foot traffic may soon see new “No Turn on Red” signs installed to enforce these restrictions.
The “Daylighting” Law: No Parking Near Crosswalks
A major new law, effective January 1, 2025, prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk throughout California. This “daylighting” law is designed to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making intersections safer by removing parked cars that can block sight lines.
San Diego has actively enforced this law with a grace period for warnings from January 1 to March 1, 2025. After this, fines of $77.50 are being issued to violators. So far, the city has handed out over 4,200 citations, mainly in neighborhoods such as La Jolla, North Park, and Pacific Beach. Drivers should be aware of these new parking limits to avoid costly tickets.
Why Are These Changes Important?
San Diego’s changes come amid a nationwide push to make roads safer for pedestrians and reduce traffic accidents. Right turns on red can be risky when visibility is limited or when pedestrian traffic is heavy. By limiting right turns on red in select locations and enforcing no-parking zones near crosswalks, the city hopes to reduce collisions and protect those walking or biking.
What Should San Diego Drivers Do?
- Always Watch for Signs: Be vigilant for new or existing “No Turn on Red” signs at intersections. Don’t assume a right turn on red is always allowed.
- Stop Completely: Before turning right on red, come to a full stop and yield to all pedestrians and vehicles.
- Avoid Parking Near Crosswalks: Ensure you park at least 20 feet away from any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, to comply with the daylighting law.
- Stay Updated: Traffic laws can change, so keep an eye on updates from San Diego city officials and the California DMV.