Lisa Marie Segarra

Staff Writer, @lisamarie_lynn

Blue lines have been appearing throughout New Jersey streets for several months in efforts to show support for law enforcement. Unfortunately, those lines of solidarity may be against the law themselves.

A letter from the Office of Transportation Operations Director Mark R. Kehrli clarifies that the markings are not in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.

The the manual defines the standards for traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bike-ways, and private roads open to public travel.

The letter, which is addressed to Somerset County Engineer Matthew D. Loper, notes "Section 3A.06 of the MUTCD states that the pattern of a longitudinal double line shall be two parallel lines separated by a discernible space."

Photos: North Jersey towns paint blue lines in show of support for police

Verona painted lines show support for first responders

Blue line shows support for law enforcement in Hasbrouck Heights

"Accordingly, the pavement surface must be visible in the space between the lines in the same way that it is visible outside the lines," the letter states. "On this basis alone, filling in the gap in a double line, either partially or fully, does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD. The exception herein is the use of black in combination with one of the approved pavement marking colors, as noted in Section 3A.05."

In the letter, Kehrli adds that blue markings are reserved for designating handicap parking spaces, in accordance with the international symbol of accessibility parking symbol.