Bernalillo County, NM Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb color
- Red, top and face, full length
- No-curb alternative
- 6-inch red stripe
- Lettering
- White, every 15 feet, 5 inches tall
- Max penalty
- $300 fine or 90 days jail
- Enforced by
- Bernalillo County Fire Marshal's Office
Summary
Unincorporated Bernalillo County requires fire apparatus access roads to have curbs painted red the full length of the lane, with white NO PARKING - FIRE LANE lettering every 15 feet.
503.3.1 Curbs of Fire Apparatus Roads. Roads shall be identified by curbs painted red on both the top and face along the entire length of the fire apparatus access road. Where no curb exists or a rolled curb is installed, a 6-inch wide red strip applied to the full length of the fire access road shall be installed. "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" shall be marked every 15 feet along the length of a fire lane with block capital letters not less than 5 inches in height with a stroke of not less than ¾ inches in white color.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
The county's amended International Fire Code requires curbs along fire apparatus access roads to be painted red on both the top and face for the entire length of the road. Where there's no curb, or only a rolled curb, a 6-inch-wide red stripe must run the full length instead. NO PARKING - FIRE LANE must be marked every 15 feet in white block letters at least 5 inches tall with a 3/4-inch stroke. Property owners must repaint faded or damaged markings. This applies only in unincorporated county areas administered by Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue - Albuquerque enforces its own fire code within city limits.
Violations & Fines
Violating the fire code or its curb-marking amendments is a misdemeanor: a fine up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Each 10 days a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this curb-painting rule apply in Albuquerque?
Who has to repaint faded fire lane curb markings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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