Minnesota's funny roadside PSAs can stay despite new federal rules

• Federal officials cited concern pop culture references — such as MnDOT's "Let's go Barbie / Buckle up / yes you, Ken!" — could be misunderstood or distracting.

Yes, but: Minnesota is one of 10 states that writes its own rulebook, so the new federal rules won't end its "Message Monday" campaign, spokesperson Anne Meyer confirmed to Axios.

• Other guidance from the feds allows MnDOT to "exercise our judgment in creating messages that will help improve safety on our roadways," Meyer said.
• She added that urgent traffic and safety advisories have always had priority over funny PSAs — à la "Betty Whiteout Says Slow Down."

Of note: States that write their own traffic control guidelines can be more restrictive than the feds, Meyer explained — they just can't be less strict.