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.
Under MCC 9-64, traffic and parking restrictions are enforced through CDOT-installed signs and pavement markings. Yellow curbs designate loading zones, while red and other reserved markings designate fire lanes, hydrants, or no-parking areas authorized by ordinance. MCC 10-28 makes it unlawful for any private party to install, paint, alter, or remove a traffic control device or curb marking on a public way without a CDOT permit. Property owners who want a loading zone or restricted curb in front of their building must apply through CDOT, which evaluates need, posts signage, and paints the curb. Self-painting is treated as defacement and a traffic device violation.
Unauthorized private curb painting violates MCC 10-28 with fines from $300 to $1,000 per offense, plus restoration costs charged to the property. Repainting after warning escalates to nuisance abatement and lien recovery.
Chicago, IL
Chicago loading zones are CDOT-designated yellow curb spaces under MCC 9-64-070, restricting use to active loading and unloading of passengers or freight by ...
Chicago, IL
Trucks, RVs, buses, and commercial vehicles prohibited on residential streets at any time per MCC §9-64-170. Winter overnight parking ban Dec 1–Mar 31. 2-hou...
See how Chicago's curb color rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.