U.S. Reps. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) introduced legislation to allow the “Blue Line” movement that came under fire recently by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration claiming it may be illegal.
The Blue Line movement was supported by many municipalities who painted blue divider lines on public roadways in their jurisdictions.
Those towns include: Berkeley Heights, Montclair, Caldwell, Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Mahwah, Glen Rock, Wyckoff, Manalapan, Marlboro, Hillsborough, Ramsey, Clark, Roselle Park, Brick, Fair Lawn and Edison.
The legislation, the Blue Line Use Exception (BLUE) Act (H.R. 566), is lead by Congressman Pascrell, co-chair of Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, with Lance to permit ‘blue lines’ to be displayed on roadways.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration stated that the practice is in violation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).
The FHA wrote that the practice can ultimately endanger the lives of drivers and pedestrians, replying to a question from the Somerset County Engineering Division about the legality of blue line support.
Lance and Pascrell, members of the Law Enforcement Caucus, think that the FHA's response is an overreaction. Lawmakers believe this new legislation will add an exemption to the federal manual that says temporary ceremonial displays can be permitted.
“One hundred thirty five police officers died in the line of duty in 2016. Seeing those faces on the news has been heartbreaking. And events like the mass killing of Dallas police officers last year are sickening and outrageous. Local communities should be able to honor law enforcement without the federal government’s telling them no. We should honor police personnel all year, especially as we celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Our bill will let local New Jersey communities keep their ‘blue line’ dedications,” said Lance.
“Berkeley Heights is proud of our police department and all those who put their lives on the line every day. The federal regulation is a reach and I’m glad Congressman Lance is taking up this cause. The ‘blue line’ means a lot to people in town and we want to keep it right in the heart of Berkeley Heights," said Berkeley Heights Mayor Bob Woodruff.
(Photo via Hillsborough)
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