Ally Striping Blog
In the fast-paced commercial hubs of Dallas-Fort Worth, fire lane striping isn’t just about appearances—it’s a critical safety measure and a legal requirement. Whether you manage a strip mall in Arlington or a retail center in Plano, properly marked fire lanes ensure emergency vehicles can access your property without delay, reducing risk for tenants, customers, and your business.
Understanding Fire Lane Basics
A fire lane is a dedicated space for fire trucks and emergency responders to quickly reach buildings during an emergency. Texas regulations require these lanes to be at least 20 feet wide, painted with red curbs or pavement, and clearly marked with the words
“FIRE LANE – NO PARKING” in white. These markings must appear every 50 feet to remain compliant.
DFW Area Regulations
Dallas and surrounding cities strictly enforce fire lane codes to protect public safety. In addition to curb paint, vertical
“Fire Lane – No Parking” signs must be posted at intervals—usually every 25 to 50 feet. Failure to comply can result in citations, fines, or even temporary closure of your business until corrections are made.
Why Compliance Matters
Fire lane striping isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about ensuring fast, unobstructed access for emergency responders. In the event of a fire or medical emergency, clearly marked lanes can save seconds—and lives. For property owners, it also minimizes liability and reinforces your commitment to safety for customers and tenants.
Best Practices for Fire Lane Maintenance
To stay compliant and avoid costly setbacks:
- Repaint faded lines and curbs annually or as needed.
- Use high-durability, reflective traffic paint.
- Keep signage upright, visible, and correctly placed.
- Partner with a trusted local expert like Ally Striping, who knows DFW fire codes and works directly with fire departments to ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts
n DFW’s competitive retail market, safety and compliance aren’t optional—they’re smart business decisions. Ensuring your shopping center meets fire lane requirements safeguards people, protects your reputation, and prevents costly disruptions.
Need a compliance check? Contact Ally Striping today for a free fire lane evaluation.
Did you know?
- 20% of all vehicle accidents happen in parking lots and garages
- Each year,
over 500 people are killed in parking lots—including shopping center lots—often due to backing accidents
Riddle to Ponder:
If one in every five crashes takes place in your lot, and your shopping center gets 10,000 visits a week, how many accidents could be happening—and what would your liability look like if those lanes weren’t clearly marked?


