Gov. Kathy Hochul-approved highway traffic signs honoring country legend Dolly Parton displayed across New York appeared to violate federal guidelines that discourage distracting messages. 

New York paid homage to the iconic singer, who died at 80 on Tuesday, with traffic signs with safety reminders using witty references to her most popular tunes. 

Messages including “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don’t speed” and “I will always love safe driving” referencing two of her greatest hits “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” were lit up on highway signs across the state on Thursday and Friday. 

But the grand gesture may have actually been dangerous for those driving, according to the federal rules. 

In late December 2023, the Biden administration rolled out new rules from the Federal Highway Administration to be enforced across the country within two years — declaring that road signs should be “simple, direct, legible and clear.”

They should only be used to share important information — and not bear “obscure” messages or pop-culture references that take “greater time to process.”

The cheeky signs aren’t outright illegal. The highway administration clarified at the time that the regulations don’t include “a ban on humor,” but encouraged state leaders to use discretion.  

“[This guidance means] you shouldn’t do that because it could increase cognitive load and it could be distracting,” Jay Beeber, chief government affairs and policy officer for the National Motorists Association, explained to The Post. “It’s kind of a suggestion.”

Hochul spokeswoman Alexia Nizhny said the signs serve a dual purpose.

“While honoring the legacy of Dolly Parton, the variable message signs now being displayed along state highways also remind motorists that road safety isn’t just 9-to-5. We urge drivers to stay alert and drive responsibly at all hours,” Nizhny said.

But Beeber said the signs were just for show.

“The speeding message, it’s clever…it references Dolly Parton, who everybody loved. But does it do anything? No, it’s not helping us,” Beeber said.

The highway signs weren’t the only way New York honored Parton. 

On Thursday, 17 landmarks, including One World Trade Center and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, were illuminated pink in remembrance of the beloved singer and philanthropist. 

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration did not return requests for comment.