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Texas Governor Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks in Dallas

Rainbow crosswalks on Cedar Springs Road in Dallas

Dallas, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to remove crosswalks with political ideologies, specifically targeting rainbow crosswalks in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood. Cities that do not comply within 30 days face the loss of state and federal road funding. This move has sparked discussions on community identity and civil rights, as these crosswalks represent pride for the LGBTQ community. Local organizations are expressing dissent, arguing that the removal would send a discriminatory message.

Dallas

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to ensure cities and counties remove any crosswalks with “political ideologies,” including rainbow crosswalks, within 30 days. Cities that fail to comply risk losing state and federal road funding, as well as potential partnerships with TxDOT. The directive sets a clear deadline and attaches financial consequences to noncompliance.

What the directive requires and potential penalties

The order directs TxDOT to confirm removal of decorative or nonstandard roadway markings that are judged to reflect political viewpoints. Cities that fail to comply risk losing state and federal road funding, as well as potential partnerships with TxDOT. State officials framed the move as ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on safety and infrastructure, not on displays that could be viewed as promoting political positions.

Federal rule cited

The directive aligns with federal enforcement of a 2013 rule stating that decorative markings on roadways are considered unsafe unless they support traffic control. That federal guidance is being cited as the safety rationale for ordering removal of markings that are not directly tied to traffic control.

Specifics about Dallas crosswalks

The rainbow crosswalks located along Cedar Springs Road in Dallas are seen as symbols of unity and pride within the LGBTQ community. These crosswalks sit in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, an area historically associated with the LGBTQ community and local Pride events. The crosswalks in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood have historically been associated with the LGBTQ community and local Pride events.

The design and installation of the rainbow crosswalks were funded entirely through private donations, and they meet state safety standards. Local organizers and donors paid to design and install the markings, and city or project materials indicate installations followed applicable safety guidelines and specifications.

Local responses and review

Various local organizations, including GLAAD and Texas Latino Pride, issued a joint statement expressing that the crosswalks contribute to resilience and community investment, asserting that no taxpayer funds were used to create and maintain them. Community groups described the crosswalks as investments in neighborhood identity and cohesion.

A spokesperson for the City of Dallas confirmed they are reviewing the directive and preparing an update for the City Council on necessary actions. City staff are assessing legal, financial and operational options before recommending next steps to elected officials.

Precedent and legal questions

Similar situations occurred in Florida, where the state painted over rainbow crosswalks, sparking controversy within the community. That prior action has been cited by both advocates and legal observers when weighing likely reactions and potential legal challenges.

Advocates argue that removing these crosswalks would send a discriminatory message against the LGBTQ community. Community leaders and civil rights advocates have framed potential removals as symbolic actions with social consequences beyond pavement markings.

Some legal experts suggest the state may face pushback similar to Florida’s experience, potentially raising First Amendment issues regarding the enforcement of such a directive. Attorneys tracking the issue note legal arguments could focus on whether the directive improperly targets expressive displays or treats certain viewpoints differently.

Governor’s rationale

Abbott’s statement emphasized that Texas taxpayers expect their dollars to be spent wisely and not to promote political agendas on roadways. State officials are presenting the order as an enforcement of safety standards and a stewardship measure for transportation funds.

Abbott’s directive does not explicitly mention the rainbow crosswalks, but it encourages the removal of “any and all political ideologies” from public streets. The language of the directive is broad and does not single out specific installations, while still drawing attention to markings seen by some as political in nature.

Next steps and timeline

TxDOT has been tasked with verifying compliance within the specified timeframe. Cities and counties will need to decide whether to remove markings voluntarily, contest the directive legally, or seek alternative treatments that conform to traffic-control-only guidance. The 30-day timeline means local governments must move quickly to weigh options and prepare responses.

Background

Decorative crosswalks and painted street art have grown more common as community gestures, fundraising projects and civic statements. Federal guidance from 2013 about roadway markings has been invoked to limit such treatments where safety or consistency is cited as a concern. The Dallas crosswalks on Cedar Springs Road have been part of local Pride celebrations and community identity efforts for years, funded privately and installed to meet applicable safety standards.


FAQ

Q: What did Governor Abbott order?

A: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to ensure cities and counties remove any crosswalks with “political ideologies,” including rainbow crosswalks, within 30 days.

Q: What happens to cities that do not comply?

A: Cities that fail to comply risk losing state and federal road funding, as well as potential partnerships with TxDOT.

Q: Why did the state justify the directive?

A: Abbott’s statement emphasized that Texas taxpayers expect their dollars to be spent wisely and not to promote political agendas on roadways.

Q: Does this relate to federal guidance?

A: The directive aligns with federal enforcement of a 2013 rule stating that decorative markings on roadways are considered unsafe unless they support traffic control.

Q: Which crosswalks in Dallas are at issue?

A: The rainbow crosswalks located along Cedar Springs Road in Dallas are seen as symbols of unity and pride within the LGBTQ community.

Q: Who paid for the Dallas crosswalks?

A: The design and installation of the rainbow crosswalks were funded entirely through private donations, and they meet state safety standards.

Q: What have local organizations said?

A: Various local organizations, including GLAAD and Texas Latino Pride, issued a joint statement expressing that the crosswalks contribute to resilience and community investment, asserting that no taxpayer funds were used to create and maintain them.

Q: How is the City of Dallas responding?

A: A spokesperson for the City of Dallas confirmed they are reviewing the directive and preparing an update for the City Council on necessary actions.

Q: Are there precedents in other states?

A: Similar situations occurred in Florida, where the state painted over rainbow crosswalks, sparking controversy within the community.

Q: What do advocates and legal experts say?

A: Advocates argue that removing these crosswalks would send a discriminatory message against the LGBTQ community. Some legal experts suggest the state may face pushback similar to Florida’s experience, potentially raising First Amendment issues regarding the enforcement of such a directive.


Key facts at a glance

Feature Detail
Directive issuer Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Agency tasked Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Deadline within 30 days
Penalty for noncompliance risk losing state and federal road funding, as well as potential partnerships with TxDOT
Federal rule cited 2013 rule stating that decorative markings on roadways are considered unsafe unless they support traffic control
Local example rainbow crosswalks located along Cedar Springs Road in Dallas
Funding for Dallas crosswalks funded entirely through private donations
City response reviewing the directive and preparing an update for the City Council on necessary actions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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.

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