Michigan has its fair share of weird laws. For example, did you know that it’s against the law to sing to your girlfriend in Kalamazoo? Or that it’s illegal to tie an alligator to a fire hydrant? Here are some of the strangest laws still on the books in Michigan.
- Unless they are married, couples may not reside together.
- A license to carry a concealed handgun may be obtained by anyone 12 years old or older, as long as they have not been convicted of a felony.
- It is against the law to paint a sparrow with red paint with the intention of selling them as parakeets.
- Anyone may keep their cow on Main Street in the city of Wayland for three cents per day.
- In Niles, you must get out of your automobile on the sidewalk side of the vehicle.
- In Michigan, it is against the law to sell cars on Sunday.
- In South Haven, it’s against the law to fling an abandoned hoop skirt onto the street or sidewalk. Those who break the law will be fined $5.
- Being drunk on a train in Michigan is illegal.
- It is illegal to tie an alligator to a fire hydrant in Detroit.
- It is against the law to purposely destroy a vintage radio in Detroit.
- In Detroit, it is against the law to scowl at a woman.
- It is prohibited to smoke in bed in the city of Soo.
- Unless they have a ring in their nose, pigs cannot wander about freely in Detroit.
- In Rochester, all bathing suits are supposed to be inspected by the head of police.
- A woman is not permitted to cut her own hair without the consent of her spouse.
- It’s illegal to sing to your sweetheart in Kalamazoo.
- If a robber is hurt on your property, he or she can file a claim.
- Adultery is against the law, but only when the harmed husband or wife makes a formal complaint.
- Using a decompression chamber to kill a dog is illegal.
- By 1:00 a.m., all putt-putt golf courses must be closed in Detroit.
Bonus: Repealed Weird Michigan Laws
The following were weird laws in Michigan, but have since been repealed. Wonder why they didn’t get around to repealing the others on this list.
- In each village, township, or city in the state, there is a 3 cent reward for each starling and a 10 cent compensation for each crow killed.
- It is illegal to swear in front of women and children.
These are just a few of the weird laws still on the books in Michigan. With so many strange laws still in existence, it’s no wonder that Michigan has earned a reputation for being one of the most unique states in the country. So, next time you’re in Michigan, be sure to mind your manners and obey the law – no matter how strange it may seem.
Image attribution:
Weird by brx0 via (CC BY-SA 2.0)