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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
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    • Probate & Estate Administration
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

Michigan: Great Lakes. Great Times. Weird Laws.

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 11, 2016 | General Legal Issues |

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Ever since its exploration and settlement by French voyageurs and coureurs des bois in the 17th century, the people of Michigan have been finding ways to structure society, maintain order, and promote commerce. That means lots of laws, and some have been stranger than others.

Chances are you are familiar with the idea of strange, dumb or just plain ridiculous laws. Numerous books have been published detailing odd laws from throughout the United States, and articles in the same vein frequently pop up on the Internet.

Our team has taken the time to pore through some of Michigan’s weirdest laws and detail them for you here. We hope they will keep you out of trouble, provide you with some good trivia ammunition or, at the very least, provide you with a good laugh.

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Can One Really Be Free With A Ring In One’s Nose?

In the Motor City, it is illegal to allow your pig to run free unless it has a ring in its nose.

This is actually a very practical law for those with pet pigs, as well as people who are burgeoning urban pig farmers. Have you ever tried to catch up to a loose pig? Even if the pig is not greased, they can be very difficult to corral. The nose ring provides a safe place to grip and keep the pig subdued.

So, remember. If you’re taking Porky for a stroll down the Detroit Riverwalk, make sure you have a ring or a leash.

No Scowling On Sunday

That’s right, gentleman. It is illegal for a man to scowl at his wife on Sunday in Detroit.

“Well, stop walking in front of the TV during the game then…”

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Love Is In The Air, But Not Too Far From Your Home

Couples in Detroit are banned from making love in an automobile unless the act takes place while the vehicle is parked on the couple’s own property.

No trips to “Lover’s Lane” at the top of the hill. The silver – or green – lining is that this law should reduce fuel costs for you and your lover.

Speaking Of Cars…

Cars may not be sold on Sundays in Michigan, with the exception of dealerships located in counties with a population lower than 130,000.

This law is not as uncommon as you may think. Other states that do not allow Sunday sales of automobiles:

  • Colorado
  • Oklahoma
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Pennsylvania
  • Maine
  • New Jersey
  • Delaware

“Did it hurt?” “Did what hurt?” “When you fell from the sky?”

You better not be tossing out that pickup line with hopes of winding up in a vehicle on your property.

According to Michigan law, no man may seduce and corrupt an unmarried girl. The punishment if convicted is five years in prison.

All Aboard The Train To Tipsy Town!

Scratch that.

Turns out it is illegal to be drunk on trains. Specifically, “no person shall while in an offensive state of intoxication enter or be on or remain upon any railway train or interurban car as a passenger.”

Anyone who has visited the lounge car on a train or witnessed someone stumbling out of a taxi at 2 a.m. knows this law is rarely, if ever, enforced.

Cheers!

Oh, Those Disappointing Lions

A winless season, early retirements of Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, and a seemingly never-ending parade of misfortunes can leave even the most diehard Lions fan ready to curse a Honolulu blue streak and throw the radio through the window.

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We understand, but don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.

Huh?

Let us explain.

As recently as 2002, it was illegal to swear in front of women and children. In Detroit it is still prohibited today to willfully destroy your old radio.

So do your best to relax and don’t let the Lions get to you too much. There’s always next year.

This Law Should Be Unnecessary

We’re not sure what the folks in Clawson were hoping to prevent here, but it is illegal for a farmer to sleep with his pigs, cows, horses, goats and chickens. Farmers will have to cover up with some hay to keep warm or, better yet, stick to a mattress indoors.

Last But Not Least, Another Reason To Donate Your Old Clothes

By donating your old clothes to a charitable organization, you can accumulate tax deductions and help those in need. You can also stay out of legal trouble if you happen to live in Grand Haven, where it is illegal to throw an abandoned hoop skirt into any street or sidewalk, under penalty of $5 per offense.

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or...

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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