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Evanston, IL Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Curb color
Yellow, fire lanes only
Discretionary authority
City Manager decides
Posting standard
IDOT uniform control manual
Fine
$55 plus $50 late penalty
Fire lanes
No standing or parking ever

Summary

Evanston lets the City Manager paint curbing yellow within a designated fire lane at his or her discretion, marking a no-parking zone in addition to required signage under the fire lane ordinance.

Fire lanes shall be posted in accordance with the Illinois Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Control Devices. Additionally, at the discretion of the City Manager or his/her designee, curbing within a designated fire lane may be painted yellow.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).

Full Breakdown

Evanston City Code § 10-6-14 designates fire lanes as travel lanes for firefighting equipment where standing or parking a vehicle is always prohibited. Subsection (D) requires fire lanes to be posted per the Illinois Department of Transportation's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and lets the City Manager or a designee additionally paint the curb yellow within a designated fire lane. Fire lanes are created by written agreement with property owners or by City Council ordinance, and violators face a $55 fine plus a $50 late penalty, with each day a separate offense. The City can also tow vehicles from a posted fire lane tow zone.

Violations & Fines

Fine of $55 plus a $50 late penalty per Section 10-6-14(E); each day is a separate offense, and the City may tow vehicles from a designated fire lane tow zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Evanston have a citywide color-coded curb system?
No. The Code addresses curb painting only for designated fire lanes, where curbing may be painted yellow at the City Manager's discretion; there is no general red/yellow/blue curb scheme in the ordinance.
Who decides where a fire lane curb gets painted yellow?
The City Manager or a designee, after a fire lane is designated by written agreement with a property owner or by City Council ordinance under Section 10-6-14(C).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Evanston

Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsStreet Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsPreferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsSnow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsTowing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsEV ChargingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Evanston rules

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