Dallas County, TX Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State authority
- TX Transportation Code 544.011
- Unincorporated
- Dallas County Public Works marks
- Red curb
- No stopping or standing
- Yellow curb
- Commercial loading only
- Self-painting
- Not legally enforceable
Summary
Texas Transportation Code Section 544.011 gives official painted curb markings the force of regulatory signs across all of Dallas County. Red curbs prohibit stopping; yellow indicates loading zones. Only the city or, in unincorporated areas, Dallas County Public Works may legally paint curbs.
Sec. 544.006. DISPLAY OF UNAUTHORIZED SIGNS, SIGNALS, OR MARKINGS. (a) A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of a highway an unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that:(1) imitates or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal;(2) attempts to direct the movement of traffic; or(3) hides from view or hinders the effectiveness of an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal.(b) A person may not place or maintain on a highway, and a public authority may not permit on a highway, a traffic sign or signal bearing commercial advertising.(c) A person may not place or maintain a flashing light or flashing electric sign
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 544.011, official traffic-control markings include painted curb colors that must be obeyed as if they were posted signs. The rule applies uniformly across cities and unincorporated areas of Dallas County. Red means no stopping or standing at any time. Yellow indicates a commercial loading zone with time limits posted. White denotes passenger pickup, typically three-minute limits. Green is short-term parking. Within incorporated areas, each city's transportation department designates curb colors. In unincorporated Dallas County, Dallas County Public Works manages roadway markings on county-maintained roads. Private property owners and businesses may not paint public curbs themselves; unauthorized markings have no legal force and may be removed at the property owner's expense.
Violations & Fines
Parking against red, yellow, white, or green curb markings results in citation under each city's traffic ordinance or, in unincorporated areas, TX Transportation Code, typically $40-$75, plus possible towing if blocking a fire lane or hydrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint the curb in front of my unincorporated Dallas County home red?
What if the red paint has faded: can I park there?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview
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