Introduction
Dallas officials are racing against a deadline to either remove or re-file an exception for 12 decorative crosswalks that have sparked a legal tug-of-war with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Governor Greg Abbott. The city’s appeal hinges on the claim that the markings are community symbols, not political messages, while the state insists on strict safety guidelines.
At a Glance
- 12 intersections face removal or new exception filing by Jan. 31.
- Crosswalks include multicolored, individualized, and lettered designs.
- Gov. Abbott’s October 2025 order mandates removal of all non-standard markings.
- Why it matters: The decision could affect state and federal funding for Dallas.
Context
The city’s request follows a broader state mandate that, effective October 2025, requires all Texas counties and cities to eliminate decorative crosswalks that could distract drivers or convey political messages. Dallas argues that its designs celebrate local culture rather than politics.
The Exception Request
On Nov. 6, Dallas filed an exception request covering 12 intersections:
- Five with multicolored crosswalks on Cedar Springs.
- Three with individualized crosswalks in Uptown.
- Four featuring letters in Oak Cliff.
The city claimed the symbols represented community pride and were not political. It asked TxDOT to clarify how such decorations could impede pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Gov. Abbott’s Order
Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to enforce the removal of any political ideology from streets:
> “Under federal and state guidelines for roadway safety, non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly support traffic control or safety are strictly prohibited, including the use of symbols, flags, or other markings conveying social, political, or ideological messages,” Abbott said.
The order is part of a broader effort to standardize crosswalk markings across Texas.
TxDOT’s Response
TxDOT stated that exceptions can be granted only if there is a demonstrated public safety benefit or compelling justification. The agency denied Dallas’s request, citing:
- Lack of a signed and sealed filing by a licensed traffic engineer.
- Intersections not meeting current state requirements.
> “The failure to comply may result in withholding or denial of state or federal funds,” TxDOT warned.
The department also urged Dallas to refrain from adding any new non-standard markings during the compliance period.
City’s Next Steps
Dallas officials plan to work with the city attorney’s office on a response. They have requested a detailed explanation from TxDOT on how the decorated crosswalks compromise safety, a question that has not yet been answered.
Key Questions
- Does the decorative design truly pose a safety risk?
- What constitutes a compelling justification under TxDOT’s criteria?
- How will the city’s appeal affect future infrastructure funding?
Potential Funding Impact
TxDOT’s statement that non-compliance could lead to withholding or denial of state or federal funds adds financial pressure. The city’s ability to secure future projects may hinge on resolving this dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas faces a Jan. 31 deadline to either remove or re-file an exception for 12 decorated crosswalks.
- The city argues the markings are community symbols, not political messages.
- Gov. Abbott’s order and TxDOT’s guidelines emphasize safety and prohibit non-standard markings.
- Failure to comply could jeopardize state and federal funding for Dallas.
- The city is preparing a legal response and seeks a clearer safety rationale from TxDOT.
Categories
Breaking News, Political News
