Curb Color Rules: Dallas vs Houston
How do curb color rules rules compare between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX?
Dallas and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 28 and Texas Transportation Code Section 544.011 give official painted curb markings the force of regulatory signs. Red curbs prohibit stopping; yellow indicates loading; only the City of Dallas Transportation Department may legally paint curbs.
View full Dallas rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Only the City of Houston, through Public Works traffic engineering and Chapter 26 of the Code, may paint or authorize curb-color markings such as red (no parking), yellow (loading), green (short-term), or white (passenger). Texas Transportation Code Section 544.011 makes unofficial curb painting unenforceable.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | TX Transportation Code 544.011 | - |
| City code | Dallas Code Chapter 28 | - |
| Red curb | No stopping or standing | - |
| Yellow curb | Commercial loading only | - |
| Self-painting | Not legally enforceable | - |
| Authority | - | Houston Public Works only |
| Statute | - | TX Transp Code 544.011 |
| DIY curb paint | - | Unenforceable; violation |
| Common colors | - | Red, yellow, green, white |
| Severity | - | Moderate — fines plus tow |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I paint the curb in front of my Dallas home red to keep people from parking?
No. Only the City of Dallas Transportation Department may designate restricted curbs. Privately painted curbs have no legal force and may be removed by city crews at the property owner's expense.
What if the red paint has faded — can I park there?
No. The underlying restriction remains valid even if paint is faded. Fire hydrant, bus stop, and intersection no-parking zones are enforced regardless of curb-paint visibility under state law.
Houston FAQ
Can I paint my Houston curb red to stop parking in front of my house?
No. Only Houston Public Works may install curb-color markings under Chapter 26. Unauthorized paint is not enforceable as a traffic control device, and the City may bill you for restoration.
How do I request a red curb on my street?
Submit a request through Houston 311 or the Public Works Traffic Engineering office. The City reviews sight-distance, fire-hydrant, and driveway-clearance criteria before installing or denying any curb marking.
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