Curb Paint, Signs and School Pavement Legends

Curb paint and signs can be used individually or together to help convey a specific message to drivers. A painted curb means that you must follow special parking rules. Painted curbs are often located around a school to inform drivers where parking and stopping are allowed or prohibited. The color on curbs typically means;

White (or no color):
Parking allowed, unless restricted or limited by signs.
Parking for the disabled only. Motorists must have a disabled person parking placard (typically hanging on the rear view mirror) or disabled person or disabled veteran license plate.
Parking allowed for a short time. The time is usually shown on a sign next to the green zone, or may be painted on the curb. Green curb can also be used for student loading zones, if accompanied by the appropriate signs.
Stop only long enough to load or unload passengers—no longer than posted. Drivers are usually required to stay with their vehicle.
No stopping, standing, or parking. A bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses. Red is also used to designate fire lanes at schools or “No Parking” areas.

Curb parking signs provide information that supplements curb markings. For example, parking time limits printed on a curb sign can reinforce the green paint designating that parking is allowed for a limited time.

Pavement stencils can effectively communicate a message to drivers.

Pavement legends or stencils are an effective way to provide further awareness to drivers near schools. Pavement stencils are placed right in the drivers’ path and are a form of horizontal signing. All states provide guidance and regulations for pavement markings. The MUTCD states that crosswalks, including those for schools, should be white. Some states like California have yellow pavement markings in school zones, while Arizona requires yellow crosswalk markings for 15 mph school zone crosswalks. The text messages on the pavement can differ as well, from “SCHOOL” to “SLOW SCHOOL X-ING”, “STOP”, “25 MPH” and more. Check with your local jurisdiction for guidance. Pavement stencils should be checked annually. Installing stencils with thermoplastic or other plastic materials may cost more initially, but these materials will last longer than paint and reduce long-term maintenance costs. In areas that receive snow, consideration must be given to the fact that pavement stencils may be obscured by snow during the winter months, and that regular plowing may shorten the lifespan of the stencil.