The city of Dallas has until the end of the month to remove decorative crosswalks from 12 intersections or file a new exception request with the Texas Department of Transportation.

According to the city, TxDOT refused its first request for an exception to Gov. Greg Abbott’s October 2025 order, which required the removal of decorative crosswalks over safety concerns.

On Nov. 6, Dallas filed an exception for 12 intersections, including five with “multicolored crosswalks” along Cedar Springs, three with “individualized crosswalks” in Uptown, and four “crosswalks with letters” in Oak Cliff, saying the crosswalks were decorated with symbols of community pride and were not political.

Abbott’s statement said he was directing TxDOT to ensure “Texas counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from our 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.

TxDOT said exceptions could be granted based on a “demonstrated public safety benefit or compelling justification,” but denied the city’s request. TxDOT said the city’s filing wasn’t signed and sealed by a licensed traffic engineer, and the identified intersections did not meet current state requirements.

The city now has until Jan. 31 to remove the decorations or file a new exception request.

TxDOT said the failure to comply may result in withholding or denial of state or federal funds. TxDOT also requested that the city refrain from installing additional non-standard markings during this period and continue to prioritize pedestrian and traffic safety.

City officials said in their appeal that they asked TxDOT to explain how decorated crosswalks impede pedestrian and vehicle safety, and that question was not addressed in the state’s response.

The city said that it will work with the city attorney’s office on its response.