Curb Color Rules: Chicago vs New York
How do curb color rules rules compare between Chicago, IL and New York, NY?
New York has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
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 →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Department of Transportation paints curbs to mark parking restrictions: yellow for commercial loading zones, red for no-stopping zones, white for passenger pickup, and green for short-term metered parking, all enforced under Title 19 of the NYC Administrative Code.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Chicago Department of Transportation | - |
| 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 | - |
| Yellow curb | - | Commercial loading zone |
| Red curb | - | No stopping anytime |
| White curb | - | Passenger pickup only |
| Green curb | - | Short-term metered |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
New York FAQ
Can I park at a yellow curb on weekends in NYC?
Only if the posted sign limits the commercial loading restriction to weekdays. NYC requires posted signs alongside paint, and the sign always controls scheduling. Yellow paint with no time-limit sign means commercial loading anytime.
Can a building paint its own curb red to keep cars away?
No. 34 RCNY section 2-02 reserves curb painting for NYC DOT. Private painting is unauthorized and unenforceable. Property owners must apply for a DOT no-parking permit if they need legitimate curb access.
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