Here’s What Those Different Curb Colors Mean In Texas

El Paso, Texas is no stranger to the various colors that are painted along curbs, and El Pasoans have probably parked near one of these painted curbs thinking it was ok when in fact, IT WAS NOT!

Whether it’s a blue, white, green, red, or even a yellow curb these curb colors all mean something different and if you accidentally park near one without realizing it, you may walk back to your car with a ticket, a towed vehicle, or even worse; you may be the reason why someone with a disability can’t get out of their vehicle properly!

I recently came across a post on Instagram that was shared by a family who was just trying to enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant but their daughter, who uses a wheelchair, couldn’t properly come out of their vehicle because it was being blocked by a few motorcycles who decided to park their bikes on the white striped lines near a handicap parking spot. NOT COOL!

The post was shared on Fitfam of El Paso with the caption:

"Can y'all please stop doing this? Those white lines in front of the sidewalk wheelchair ramp don't signify a 'bike parking spot'. They're clearly there to mark a space that should be left open, so that wheelchair users like seven-year-old Victoria can safely roll down and access their vehicle (in this case, their Nissan Rogue). Please be considerate of others."

Many people were angry and shared comments of their frustration, but it was also nice to see some motorcycle riders admit that they have done that in the past and will not do it again.

So, after seeing that post I thought it would be nice to give all you Texas drivers a little crash course on deciphering the different colors on curbs so something like this won’t happen again.

What Each Curb Color Means:

Red Curb: Danger Zone! Think of it as the parking equivalent of a fiery dragon's breath. No stopping, standing, or parking allowed, period. Unless you're up for a hefty fine, keep clear!

⚪ White Curb: Usually, it's open parking territory, but beware of the signs you may overlook. In some places like San Diego, it's a loading zone, perfect for quick unloads or snappy pick-ups.

Yellow Curb: Commercial Loading! Primarily reserved for loading and unloading, unless you're a truck or a commercial vehicle, steer clear during the designated hours.

Green Curb: Quick pit stops only! Green means go… park briefly. Great for bustling areas where parking spots are as rare as unicorns. But be cautious of the time limits, or risk your vehicle being towed away!

Blue Curb: Reserved for VIPs! Only those with a disability placard or plate can park here. Don’t be rude and park here AND don’t be rude and park on those white lines right next to the handicapped spot because the painted stripe area is to allow for the space needed for a ramp to be deployed when a wheelchair needs to exit or enter.

If you park there, you’ll be blocking someone from getting out of their vehicle!