Parking Lot Color Codes in Oregon: What Each Means

Color Communicates in Parking Lots

Every color used in parking lot striping and curb painting conveys specific information. White lines, yellow curbs, red zones, blue spaces — each color has a defined purpose rooted in federal standards, state traffic codes, and local municipal ordinances. Using the wrong color, or allowing colors to fade beyond recognition, creates confusion, legal exposure, and potential safety hazards.

For Oregon property owners, understanding the parking lot color code system ensures your lot is both compliant and clearly communicable to every driver and pedestrian who uses it. This guide covers every standard color used in Oregon parking lots, what each means, and where it should be applied. For a broader overview of all striping elements, see our complete striping guide.

White: The Foundation Color

White is the most widely used color in parking lot striping. It serves as the default marking color for the majority of lot elements.

Parking stall lines. Standard parking space dividers are painted white. This includes the side lines defining each space and the end line (wheel stop line) at the front of each space. White provides high contrast against dark asphalt, making stall boundaries clearly visible during both day and night.

Directional arrows. Traffic flow arrows within the parking lot are painted white.

Crosswalk markings. Pedestrian crosswalks use white parallel lines, with or without interior ladder bars or hatching.

Stop bars. The thick line where vehicles stop at intersections within the lot is painted white.

Stenciled text. "NO PARKING," "COMPACT," "RESERVED," "VISITOR," and similar text markings are painted white unless specific local codes require a different color.

ADA access aisle markings. The diagonal crosshatch lines in ADA access aisles are typically painted white or blue, depending on local code.

Yellow: Caution, Restriction, and Traffic Flow

Yellow markings in parking lots indicate restrictions, boundaries, and areas requiring caution. Yellow is used less frequently than white but carries important regulatory meaning.

No-parking zones. Yellow curb paint indicates areas where parking is prohibited at all times. This is distinct from red curbing (fire lanes) — yellow means no parking is allowed, while red specifically designates fire/emergency access.

Traffic flow boundaries. Yellow lines or curbing may delineate the edges of traffic aisles, medians, and areas separating opposing traffic flows. In lots with two-way aisles, a yellow centerline separates traffic moving in opposite directions, following the same convention used on public roads.

Loading zones. In some Oregon jurisdictions, yellow curbing indicates commercial loading zones with time-limited parking. Check your local code for specific loading zone color requirements, as this varies by municipality.

Speed bumps. Yellow paint or yellow-and-black striping is used to mark speed bumps and speed humps for visibility. While not universally required by code, yellow speed bump marking is a strong safety practice.

Curb faces and islands. Yellow paint on the faces of raised curbs, medians, and traffic islands makes these physical obstacles visible to drivers, especially at night and in wet conditions.

Red: Fire Lanes and Emergency Access

Red curb paint and red pavement markings carry the highest regulatory weight in a parking lot. Red means one thing: fire and emergency vehicle access. Parking in a red-curbed area is a finable offense, and property owners are responsible for maintaining these markings.

Fire lane curbing. Oregon fire codes require fire lanes to be marked with red curb paint and "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" signage. The red curb must be maintained in a clearly visible condition. Faded red curbing that is no longer obviously red does not meet code requirements.

Fire hydrant zones. The curb adjacent to fire hydrants is painted red to indicate the no-parking zone required for hydrant access. Oregon law requires 15 feet of clearance on either side of a fire hydrant.

Emergency vehicle access routes. Areas designated for emergency vehicle staging or access are marked with red curbing and appropriate signage.

For detailed fire lane requirements, see our striping regulations in Oregon guide.

Blue: ADA Accessible Parking

Blue is the color associated with ADA accessible parking. Its use is federally regulated and must comply with specific standards.

ADA space background. The International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair symbol) is painted in white on a blue background square on the pavement within accessible spaces.

Blue curbing. Some jurisdictions require blue curb paint adjacent to ADA accessible spaces. This is not universally required in Oregon, but many municipalities have adopted it as an additional visual indicator.

Access aisle markings. Blue diagonal crosshatch lines in the access aisle are used by some contractors, while others use white. Both are acceptable — check your local code for any specific color requirement.

"VAN ACCESSIBLE" text. Van-accessible spaces require additional marking indicating the wider access aisle. This text is typically painted in white or blue.

Green: Time-Limited Parking

Green curb paint indicates time-limited parking, typically 15 to 30 minutes. This color is used primarily for short-term parking near building entrances, customer pick-up areas, and convenience parking zones.

Application. Green curbs should include signage specifying the time limit. The curb paint alone does not legally establish a time restriction without accompanying signage in most Oregon jurisdictions.

Common locations. Bank drive-up areas, pharmacy pick-up zones, restaurant carry-out parking, and convenience store entrance spaces.

Color Maintenance Requirements

Curb and line colors must be maintained in a clearly recognizable condition to be enforceable and effective. Faded red curbing that looks pink or brown does not communicate "fire lane" to drivers. Faded blue that appears gray does not identify ADA spaces.

Re-painting frequency. Curb paint, which is exposed to direct tire contact, weather, and UV on multiple surfaces, fades faster than pavement markings. Expect to repaint curbs every 12 to 24 months in high-traffic areas and every 2 to 3 years in moderate-traffic areas. For cost details, see our parking lot striping cost in Oregon guide.

Color matching. When re-painting, use traffic-grade paint formulated to the correct color standard. Hardware store paint does not match federal color specifications and may not meet code requirements. Professional striping services use calibrated colors that meet MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards.

If sealcoating is also due, coordinate with a sealcoating and striping package to apply fresh sealcoat before all color markings for maximum adhesion and contrast.

Local Variations in Oregon

While the color code system described above represents the general standard, Oregon municipalities can and do adopt local variations. Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, and other cities may have specific color requirements for loading zones, time-limited parking, EV charging spaces, or other special designations. Always confirm local code before finalizing your lot's color plan. See our line striping basics for general guidance.

Get Your Colors Right With Cojo

Incorrect or faded color markings create confusion and liability. Cojo applies all parking lot colors to MUTCD standards using professional-grade traffic paint. Our striping services include curb painting, line striping, and stencil work in all standard colors.

Contact Cojo for a free color compliance assessment of your parking lot.