Dallas, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Dallas is under pressure to remove rainbow crosswalks and similar street art within 30 days or risk losing state funding. The Texas Department of Transportation issued this directive, citing the need to adhere to federal road standards regarding political symbols. Governor Greg Abbott has emphasized that cities failing to comply could face significant financial consequences for essential transportation projects. The move follows the repainting of a rainbow crosswalk in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood, a landmark for the LGBTQ community. Local officials are assessing their options amidst community concerns that these markings enhance inclusivity.
Dallas — Dallas could lose state funding if it fails to remove rainbow crosswalks and similar displays. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued an order giving cities 30 days to remove street art that TxDOT describes as reflecting “political ideologies,” and Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to enforce federal road standards about political symbols on public roadways.
Key developments
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) mandated the removal of street art with “political ideologies” within 30 days. The directive says non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not support traffic control or safety are prohibited under federal and state guidelines. Texas cities have 30 days to comply with the directive or risk losing transportation funding for essential projects.
Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to ensure cities comply with federal road standards regarding political symbols. The directive makes clear that cities not complying could face consequences such as the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding.
Local context and immediate impact
The directive comes shortly after a rainbow crosswalk was repainted in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood, a hub for the LGBTQ community. Local leaders in Oak Lawn argue that the rainbow crosswalks were privately funded and maintained through donations. City officials in Dallas are reviewing the directive and will provide an update to the City Council on necessary next steps.
Other markings, such as Black Lives Matter crosswalks in Dallas, may also be at risk of removal under this directive. Many major Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, have rainbow crosswalks that may be affected.
Legal and policy considerations
The directive did not specify which political ideologies would lead to funding cuts. Constitutional law attorney David Coale suggested the state might face legal challenges similar to those encountered in Florida regarding similar policies.
Abbott’s directive aligns with safety initiatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation focusing on removing political messaging from roads. State officials point to the need to keep traffic markings standardized to avoid driver confusion and to maintain safety compliance with federal rules.
Community response and broader implications
Advocates emphasize that these crosswalks contribute to community pride and do not pose safety issues. Supporters say painted crosswalks serve as public expressions of solidarity and identity. Opponents and some state officials argue that such markings can be interpreted as political messaging and therefore fall outside permitted roadway signage and markings.
The City of Dallas is reviewing the directive and will provide an update to the City Council on necessary next steps. Officials will weigh options that include removal, alteration to meet standard traffic markings, or potential legal responses.
What this means for funding and projects
Abbott stated that cities not complying could face consequences such as the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding. The funding threat covers state and federal dollars for road projects, which could affect maintenance, upgrades, and transportation safety programs if enforcement moves forward.
Background
Non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not support traffic control or safety are prohibited under federal and state guidelines. Many cities nationwide and in Texas have experimented with painted crosswalks for reasons ranging from neighborhood beautification to public messaging. In Texas, the current directive is part of a state-level push to ensure road markings align with federal standards and to limit what state leaders call political messaging on public roadways.
FAQ
What could happen to Dallas if it does not remove rainbow crosswalks?
Dallas could lose state funding if it fails to remove rainbow crosswalks and similar displays.
What did TxDOT order?
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) mandated the removal of street art with “political ideologies” within 30 days.
Who directed TxDOT to take action?
Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to ensure cities comply with federal road standards regarding political symbols.
What penalties did the governor mention?
Abbott stated that cities not complying could face consequences such as the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding.
What types of markings are targeted by the directive?
Non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not support traffic control or safety are prohibited under federal and state guidelines.
Why did this directive come now?
The directive comes shortly after a rainbow crosswalk was repainted in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood, a hub for the LGBTQ community.
How were the Dallas rainbow crosswalks funded?
Local leaders in Oak Lawn argue that the rainbow crosswalks were privately funded and maintained through donations.
Are other crosswalks in Dallas affected?
Other markings, such as Black Lives Matter crosswalks in Dallas, may also be at risk of removal under this directive.
Did the directive name specific ideologies?
The directive did not specify which political ideologies would lead to funding cuts.
Could there be legal challenges to the directive?
Constitutional law attorney David Coale suggested the state might face legal challenges similar to those encountered in Florida regarding similar policies.
Does this align with federal guidance?
Abbott’s directive aligns with safety initiatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation focusing on removing political messaging from roads.
How long do Texas cities have to comply?
Texas cities have 30 days to comply with the directive or risk losing transportation funding for essential projects.
Which other cities may be affected?
Many major Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, have rainbow crosswalks that may be affected.
What do supporters of the crosswalks say?
Advocates emphasize that these crosswalks contribute to community pride and do not pose safety issues.
What will Dallas do next?
The City of Dallas is reviewing the directive and will provide an update to the City Council on necessary next steps.
What do the rainbow crosswalks represent?
Rainbow crosswalks symbolize solidarity with the LGBTQ community and have been seen in various cities across Texas and the U.S.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Risk | Dallas could lose state funding if it fails to remove rainbow crosswalks and similar displays. |
| Agency Action | The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) mandated the removal of street art with “political ideologies” within 30 days. |
| Governor’s Role | Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to ensure cities comply with federal road standards regarding political symbols. |
| Funding Consequences | Abbott stated that cities not complying could face consequences such as the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding. |
| Scope | Many major Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, have rainbow crosswalks that may be affected. |
| Community Note | Rainbow crosswalks symbolize solidarity with the LGBTQ community and have been seen in various cities across Texas and the U.S. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Governor Directs Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks in Dallas
Governor Greg Abbott Calls for Removal of Pride Symbols in Texas
Additional Resources
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Rainbow Crosswalk
- NBC DFW
- Google Search: Texas rainbow crosswalks Greg Abbott
- WFAA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Symbol
- Fox 4 News
- Google News: Dallas rainbow crosswalks
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
