Officials were forced to shelve the restrictions after the city-based group Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment (C.L.A.S.H.) filed formal objections to the policy.

The objections require the state to draft a response and hold a lengthy public comment period before the smoking restrictions can be implemented. The process could last for months, and a lawsuit is likely.

Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, confirmed the state will not be handing out tickets — but will leave the signs in place — until that process concludes.