Absolutely. The strip is there to keep them from adhering to each other in
the package. The reveal used on installation should put the fresh tar off
of the strip.

"billh" wrote in message
.. .
If I recall correctly, the instructions specifically say not to remove the
plastic strip when installing shingles.
Billh

"Arch" wrote in message
...
One surprising cause of so many shingles being separated from roof
sheeting during the hurricanes was that the plastic film covering the
adhesive wasn't removed at installation.