By Police1 Staff
TRENTON, N.J. —Towns across the United States have been showing their support for law enforcement by painting blue lines down the middle of streets. But according to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the lines are unsafe.
“There are many appropriate and fitting ways to recognize service to the public that do not involve the modification of a traffic control device, which can put the road user at risk due to misinterpretation of its meaning,” a letter written to the Somerset County Engineering Division reads. “We appreciate the impact of expressing support for law enforcement officers and value their contributions to society.”
The department states the space between the two center yellow lines should remain blank and blue paint should only be used to mark handicapped parking areas.
NJ.com reported that the letter is in response to Somerset County’s chief engineer Matthew Loper, who requested clarification on federal guidelines on the painted blue lines.
When local New Jersey towns began painting the lines, they received permission from the county first.
The Associated Press reported that it is unclear if municipalities face a penalty if they choose to keep the blue lines.