A proposal to provide 40 minutes of free parking across all Baja Californian municipalities was unanimously approved by the State Congress. Originally, the initiative sought to grant 1 hour of free parking for shoppers at malls and commercial centers, but it was adjusted to 40 minutes in the final version.
With 24 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions, lawmakers approved the amendment to Article 22 of the State Building Code, proposed by Deputy Eligio Valencia López (District 9). The legislator highlighted the key reasons behind the reform:
- Improving quality of life by ensuring fair access to commercial spaces.
- Reducing social inequality by allowing more people to enjoy recreational activities without extra costs.
- Preventing negative economic impacts, especially for families visiting these establishments.
- Regulating parking operations to create fairer conditions for both consumers and businesses.
Related News: Proposal to Allow Free Parking Time at Commercial Plazas Makes Progress
The initiative has not yet been published in the Official State Gazette, but once enacted, private parking lots in all seven municipalities—Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Tecate, Playas de Rosarito, San Felipe, and San Quintín—will have 60 calendar days (starting in April 2025) to adjust their operations accordingly.
Deputy Valencia López said:
“Guaranteeing 40 minutes of free parking not only protects consumers but also strengthens commerce… A shopping center thrives not from parking fees, but from families coming to enjoy their time together.”
This change will benefit all citizens, especially those who visit malls for quick errands but still end up paying a significant fee. What do you think of this new rule?
