Curb Color Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do curb color rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
On Cook County highways and unincorporated roads, only the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways may paint or authorize curb markings such as red no-parking, yellow loading, or blue accessible zones. Private curb painting is unauthorized and unenforceable, and varies suburb to suburb on local streets.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Only the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) may paint curbs to designate parking restrictions; private painting of yellow, red, or other curb colors is prohibited under MCC 9-64 and 10-28 and treated as an unauthorized traffic control device.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Cook County DOTH | Chicago Department of Transportation |
| Private painting | Not authorized | - |
| Red curb | No stopping any time | - |
| Yellow curb | Loading only by sign | - |
| Blue curb | Accessible parking only | - |
| Code sections | - | MCC 9-64 and 10-28 |
| Yellow curb meaning | - | Loading zone, CDOT only |
| Permit needed | - | CDOT for any curb marking |
| Fine range | - | $300 to $1,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I paint the curb in front of my Cook County home red?
No. Only the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways or the local municipality may apply curb colors. Private red paint is not enforceable and can be removed at the property owner's expense as an unauthorized device.
How do I get an official no-parking or loading zone?
Submit a request to Cook County DOTH for an unincorporated road or to your suburb's public works department for local streets. The agency runs a traffic engineering review before any curb marking is approved and installed.
Chicago FAQ
Can I paint my curb yellow to block parking near my driveway?
No. Only CDOT may paint curbs. Private painting violates MCC 10-28 and unpermitted markings are treated as unauthorized traffic devices subject to removal and fines.
How do I get a no-parking zone in front of my house?
Apply to CDOT for a residential permit parking sign or loading zone. CDOT evaluates need, installs the sign, and paints any required curb marking under official permit.
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