Lucille Vasquez

Governor Abbott warned that Texas cities refusing to comply could lose state and federal funding for road projects.

The state's Transportation Department says markings that don't directly support traffic control or safety can confuse drivers and automated vehicles.

This includes decorative crosswalks, like the rainbow ones that have been installed in several major cities across the state over the last few years, honoring LGBTQ plus pride.

Abbott says the order is meant to keep taxpayer dollars focused on road safety rather than, quote, political ideologies.

Local governments have 30 days to remove any non-compliant markings on Texas roadways.

For NPR News, I'm Lucille Vasquez in Houston.