Parking and Traffic Citations

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California's Daylighting Law - AB 413

Amended (California Vehicle Code) CVC 22500 Assembly Bill 413, also referred to as California’s ‘Daylighting Law’, makes it illegal to park within 20' (feet) of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted. 20' (feet) is about the length of a standard parking space or the length of a large vehicle. In Daly City, the daylighting policy is governed by California's statewide law, Assembly Bill (AB) 413, which restricts parking near crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility. This law applies to all cities in California, including Daly City and the rest of San Mateo County, and became fully enforceable on January 1, 2025.

The goal of the new law is to improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers by increasing overall visibility at crosswalks. Removing the obstruction of parked vehicles in proximity to crosswalks will allow drivers to have a clear view of pedestrians or bicyclists waiting to cross the street.

For more information, see the California Legislative Information web page. 

Street / Curbside Parking

The maximum legal distance between a vehicle and the curb is 18" (inches). There is no legal distance designated between parked vehicles. However, a vehicle can be at risk of being towed if it obstructs another vehicle's right of way or path to exit the parking area. Also, if parking restrictions are in place, painted on the street, the parked vehicle needs to park within the painted parameters or the vehicle could be towed. 

Parking and Traffic Citations Fees Schedule

A listing of the current citation fines, please see the Citations Fees Schedule (PDF). 

Traffic Citations / Moving Violations

If you were issued a citation for a violation of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and it is not a correctable violation, you can:

  • Pay the fine online
  • Request an appearance in traffic court
  • Attend traffic school
    • You can only attend traffic school once every 18 months unless an exception is made by a Traffic Commissioner or judge.

To pay for your traffic ticket online, request traffic school or request an extension, please visit the San Mateo County's Traffic page.

Pay Your Parking Citation Online

If you received parking tickets from the Daly City Police Department, you can pay your citations online via the PTicket website with a credit card.

Their secure parking ticket website is simple, just enter the Citation Number and then follow their step-by-step instructions. Please be advised that there is a $3.99 charge added per citation for using the online method.

Pay Parking Citations via Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)

You can pay for your parking tickets by credit card using the Interactive Voice Response System by calling (888) 442-4088. Please have the following information ready when calling:

  • Citation number and/or license plate number
  • Credit Card number and expiration date

Upon approved credit card payment, you will be provided with a confirmation number. Be prepared to document this confirmation number.

Pay Parking Citations by Mail

You can mail a check or money order to:
City of Daly City
P.O. Box 9003
Redwood City, CA 94065-9003

The citation number and license plate number should be included on your check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Appeal Parking Citations

Parking citations can be appealed by following the outlined procedures in order:

  1. Online Appeal — The first step in contesting a parking citation is an online appeal. Online appeals are made through PTicket links to external site. Per state law, appeals must be submitted within 21 calendar days of receiving the citation. Be prepared to upload any documentation you wish to be considered in your appeal. You will be notified via mail of the decision. If you do not have access to a computer, you may submit your appeal via mail to the following address:
    City of Daly City
    P.O. Box 9003
    Redwood City, CA 94065-9003
  2. Administrative Hearing — If your appeal is denied at the first stage, you can present your appeal to an Administrative Hearing Officer. The amount of the citation must be paid in order to contest your citation at this level. You may not request an Administrative Hearing unless you have received the result of an Initial Review and have been found liable. Mail all information to:
    City of Daly City
    P.O. Box 9003
    Redwood City, CA 94065-9003
  3. Civil Appeal — If you are dissatisfied with the results of your Administrative Hearing, you may file a Civil Appeal, per California Vehicle Code Section 40230(a). The Civil Appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days of the mailing of the issuing agency's final decision. You may file a Civil Appeal at the Redwood City Courthouse.
  4. Additional Questions — Additional questions regarding parking citations, Email the Traffic Unit Supervisor or by phone at (650) 991-5763 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also visit the front desk of the Daly City Police Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please ask to speak with a supervisor regarding parking citation concerns.