LOS ANGELES (CBS) — They say nothing’s for free in this world — even leaving your vehicle at a busted parking meter.

KNX 1070′s Claudia Peschiutta reports many drivers in the Southland wrongly presume that if it’s out of order, they don’t have to worry about putting change in the slot.

Now one California state lawmaker wants to clarify with the rules with a proposed bill that would allow motorists to park for free at any broken parking meter statewide.

“The idea is sort of truth-in-advertising,” said state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord).

The Northern California Democrat has introduced a bill that would allow parking at broken meter within the stated time limit without any threat of getting a ticket.

Senate Bill 1388, which is sponsored by the American Automobile Association (AAA), would allow cities to still reserve the right to limit or prohibit parking at broken meters, but they would have to post notices for drivers.

“Motorists don’t know what to do when they park at a broken meter because rules change from city to city and they aren’t always posted,” said Steve Finnegan of the Automobile Club of Southern California in a statement.

DeSaulnier said he believes the legislation is long overdue and should have no trouble getting passed in Sacramento.

“Seems common sense to me,” he said.