Gov. Greg Abbott is directing the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure cities and counties comply with federal and state roadway safety guidelines, targeting street markings like rainbow-colored crosswalks found in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
“Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” said Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure Texas counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from our streets. To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas.”
Under Abbott’s order, TxDOT will enforce compliance with federal roadway standards that prohibit surface markings, signage, and symbols that “do not directly support traffic control or safety.” That includes “symbols, flags, or other markings conveying social, political, or ideological messages.”
Cities that refuse to comply could face significant penalties, Abbott warned, including withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.
The directive follows a federal order issued in July by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. In launching the “SAFE ROADS” initiative, Duffy urged states to remove “political messages of any nature” from intersections and crosswalks, calling such markings “distractions” that detract from roadway safety.
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” said Duffy. “Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball.”
The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices—which sets national standards for road markings—does not authorize non-standard paint colors or patterns for crosswalks or intersections. Cities like Austin and Dallas, however, have used local funds to paint rainbow crosswalks in support of LGBT pride events.
