Some local jurisdictions paint curbs red to delineate fire lanes. Vehicle parking, and often vehicle stopping or standing, is prohibited in fire lanes. Special pavement marking paints are used to color the curbs.

Types of Paint

Specially formulated pavement marking paint is commercially available from a number of manufacturers. Both water- and oil-based paints are used for curb marking. Paints are designed for use on both asphalt and concrete curbs.

Application Method

Curb paint can be applied by airless sprayer, brush or roller. In some jurisdictions, white letter messages are stenciled onto the red curb.

Color

Red is the color used for curb painting in fire lanes. In addition to the painted red curb, traffic signs are often posted to reinforce that parking is not allowed in fire lanes.