What Are the EV Bay Marking Specifications in Dallas, TX?

Getting your EV charging space markings right in Dallas is not a nicety; it's a requirement. In this guide, we're outlining the comprehensive EV charging bay requirements that every property owner, facility manager, and contractor needs to know to stay on the right side of the law.

Why trust us? EV bay marking is one of our most popular services at CRI Striping. We're led by Dylan Crowl with 18+ years of experience, delivering ADA-compliant, fully insured electric vehicle bay marking services across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Key Takeaways:

• Dallas EV bay markings need to comply with local ordinances, Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), ADA requirements, and TMUTCD signage rules.

• Standard EV charging bays should be a minimum of 8.5 ft (2.6 meters) wide, while accessible EV charging bays require a minimum width of 10.5 ft (3.2 meters) with a 5-foot access aisle.

• Green pavement marking is the standard for EV bays, paired with white EV symbols and text, and a blue background with the international symbol of accessibility for accessible EV spaces. This clearly separates EV spaces from non-EV vehicle bays.

• If you get your EV parking layout wrong, your lot is lacking the necessary vertical signs, or your markings have an ADA error, your inspection will fail and you may even be fined.

What Are the EV Bay Marking Specifications in Dallas, TX (Quick Answer)

EV charging bay markings in Dallas should meet three layers of regulation: the City of Dallas Building and Construction Codes, Texas Accessibility Standards enforced by TDLR, and federal ADA standards for accessible design. Parking spaces designated for electric vehicles should have clear visual identification to prevent them from being blocked by non-EV (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

Your electric vehicle bays should typically feature the following:

• Marked "EV CHARGING ONLY" legends

• Green EV bay markings for EV-only stalls

• Blue plus wheelchair symbol markings for accessible EV spaces

• Compliant vertical signage with proper line marking dimensions

• Directional arrows to help drivers find the bays they need

Dallas & Texas Codes That Affect EV Bay Markings

Want to get your EV charging bay marking right first time? Before you start planning, make sure you're aware of which codes apply.

Dallas has adopted its own versions of the International Building Code and Fire Code, and you need to make sure your EV supply equipment installations meet the National Electrical Code standards and TDLR requirements.

There's also the 2025 TMUTCD, which governs sign size, reflectivity, and mounting for EV parking signs statewide (there's no single Texas-only EV bay marking standard here).

Standard EV Charging Bay Layout & Dimensions in Dallas

The standard EV charging bay dimensions in Dallas generally follow standard parking bay widths with adjustments for equipment and accessible EV spaces.

Here are the key numbers:

Specification	Standard EV Bay	Accessible EV Bay
Width	2.6m minimum (≈8.5 ft)	3.2m minimum (≈10.5 ft)
Length	5.4m minimum (≈18 ft)	5.4m minimum
Access aisle	-	5-foot (60 in.) adjacent aisle
Charger clearance	1200mm in front	1200mm in front

You need to make sure there's 1200mm of clearance on the charging equipment front, as well as enough room around the chargers, bollards, and wheel stops to let EV owners reach the connector without blocking sidewalks or drive aisles. Cable management zones are often marked within EV bays to reduce trip hazards.

Typical EV Bay Marking Specifications in Dallas, TX

Here are the most common EV bay markings, line marking styles, and legends used across Dallas commercial lots and parking facilities:

Surface treatments:

• Green infill rectangles (Pantone 7731 C) under each EV charging bay. Green thermoplastic is standard for EV bay markings

• White "EV", "EV ONLY", or "EV CHARGING ONLY" text within the bay

• EV symbols and plug icons at least 36 inches in size, so drivers can spot them easily

Line marking characteristics:

• Pavement markings should be at least 100mm wide

• White (or yellow where required) high-contrast line marking to mark out each EV charging bay

• Traffic coatings for high-volume retail center lots that will withstand the test of time

We standardise font types, symbol sizes and EV bay markings across every site to give each place a professional look and feel that says "we're doing this right"

Signs, Wording, and Enforcement for EV Parking

Ground markings aren't enough on their own. EV-ready spaces should also have vertical signs, and these need to be visible from a distance. We install signs that make it clear where drivers can find EV charging equipment and keep non-EV drivers away.

You'll see signs with the following wording when you visit a parking lot in Dallas:

• "EV CHARGING ONLY"

• "ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING ONLY WHILE CHARGING"

• "EV PARKING ONLY – TOW AWAY" where the law allows it

Our signs are made from reflective materials, so they are easy to see even in low light conditions, and we install them at a minimum height of 900 millimeters.

Combining clear pavement text with our EV markings and vertical signs is the way to go if you want to be able to tow, ticket, or enforce your parking policy. We work with property managers and lawyers to make sure all signage is installed and placed in line with the local rules and regulations in Dallas and Texas.

ADA-Compliant & Accessible EV Charging Spaces

If you're installing EV charging spaces in your Texas parking lot, you need to consider accessibility as well as the requirements that apply to the charging equipment itself.

Texas previously provided specific guidance for accessible EV charging stations through TAS Technical Memorandum 2012-01, including requirements covering the proportion of charging stations, vehicle-space dimensions, and accessible routes. But, importantly, TDLR withdrew that memorandum in July 2023.

TDLR is now developing updated accessibility requirements for electric vehicle charging stations. The current accessibility materials continue to identify the 2012 TAS as the applicable accessibility standard while the department reviews and updates its rules. That's why we recommend working with an accessibility professional to establish the requirements that apply to your specific project.

Line Marking Materials, Colors, and Wheel Stops

When it comes to materials for EV charging bay markings, we use high-quality traffic paint or thermoplastic that will withstand the heat, UV, and storms in a location like Dallas. We also do the necessary surface preparation work before we start painting, including cleaning and sealing any cracks in the surface to allow for proper adhesion of our markings.

Here's the color scheme we typically follow for electric vehicle charging bays:

• Green for charging bays

• White text and icons for EV spaces

• Blue backgrounds for accessible EV spaces with a white ISA icon

• Yellow or white stall lines, depending on what the rest of the lot looks like

• Carefully placed wheel stops that don't get in the way of the parking spaces or charging pedestals

Ready to get started? Contact CRI Striping today for a site visit or EV charging bay marking quote in Dallas, TX.

FAQ

How many EV charging bays do I need to mark in my Dallas parking lot?

If you're still planning your EV charging station installation, the minimum number of charging bays you need depends on your local zoning and utility requirements, as well as the total parking spaces in your lot, the charger types you're planning to install, and the plans you have in place. We work with designers and electrical contractors to determine how many bays you need to mark, before offering professional EV bay marking services and signage installation in accordance with local regulations once your stations are installed. You can check your site plan or contact Dallas Planning and Development Services to find out more.

Can I turn some existing accessible parking into accessible EV spaces?

Yes, you can turn existing accessible car park spaces into EV spaces, but only if the existing space is still accessible after the conversion, and the charger and cables don't get in the way of parking. We'll take a look at the layout and see if this is possible. It's a good idea to get an accessibility expert and our team at CRI Striping to take a look first.

How often do I need to re-paint my EV bay markings in Dallas?

How often you need to repaint your EV charger bay markings will depend on how much traffic you get, how much sunlight the markings are exposed to, and what kind of chargers you have in place. Standard traffic paint will last a year or so, while thermoplastic offers high visibility and will last longer. If you've got a retail center with heavy turnover and lots of EV drivers, you might need to touch them up more often. We can set up a maintenance schedule to keep your markings in top condition.