Michigan Drivers Are Totally Confused by Purple Paint on Highways – Here’s What It Means

When it comes to purple paint, you have to be on the lookout!

You could be in danger if you see purple paint in general. You can find out why here.

But did you know there is another reason for you to be cautious of seeing purple markings, especially if it is on the highway?

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Have you ever seen purple paint on the highways or roads before?

What Does Purple Paint On Highways Mean?

When you see purple, you may start to groan because it means money or better yet, toll lanes.

"Purple is the color of choice for toll lane signing. The FHWA allows purple pavement markings to be used in addition to the standard white and yellows found in toll lanes."

While it may not be as common to see, you still need to know in case you are traveling within different states.

As of now, Michigan is not one of the 19 states that use the purple paint toll law but it could be coming soon.

Other Paint Color Meanings

Green

If you see any green pavement markings on any roads in Michigan, that is a way to signify the space for bicyclists to use.

SEHINC says,

"Green was chosen for bike markings to avoid confusion with other standard pavement marking colors. The primary purpose of these markings is to alert all other roadway users to the presence of a bicycle facility and a potential conflict and emphasize vehicle priority."

Red

When you see red markings on the road, you may want to start looking out for buses.

"Red bus lanes tell drivers to obey the rules of the bus lane. They are intended to reduce illegal bus lane usage, especially parking."

So, essentially, keep out that lane!

Orange

Orange stripes or markings are extremely common. We all know that this is a sign that you have entered into a construction zone.

"Just like orange work zone signs, orange pavement markings are intended to alert drivers that they are approaching, or are in, a work zone and that roadway conditions may have changed."