Ebensburg, Pa. ? A judge fined 20 members of an Amish sect Thursday for refusing to put orange reflective triangles on their horse-drawn buggies, saying public safety overrides any religious objections.

The plain-dressing Swartzentruber Amish had complained that the garish symbols violated their beliefs.

Twenty members of the sect were hit with 27 fines of $95 each for failing to use the slow-moving vehicle symbol.

Their lawyer, Donna Doblick, said she would appeal. The Amish, who live near Nicktown, about 65 miles from Pittsburgh, have said they would leave Pennsylvania if they lose.

Instead of the triangles, the Swartzentruber use a gray reflective tape and a lantern on the rear of their buggies. The gray tape is legal in nine states for use on slow-moving vehicles, including Ohio, where the sect lived until two years ago.

But Judge Timothy Creany ruled that the state had a “compelling interest” in requiring the orange triangles namely, keeping travelers safe.