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Have you ever heard of a law so ridiculous that you can’t imagine when or why it was passed? The law is ever-changing, with different rules and regulations being passed throughout time in reaction to societal shifts, but some laws have inexplicably stood the test of time. As strange, or even silly, as these laws sound, they are still technically enforceable according to Michigan legislature. 

Some of these things are illegal throughout the state of Michigan, while other laws are specific to cities. Keep reading to make sure you’re not breaking any of Michigan’s strange laws accidentally! 

Persons may not be drunk on trains. 

Or, more 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.” Passed in 1913, this law seeks to keep trains dry (no drinking while riding the rails!), but it also prevents a drunken person from boarding, or staying on, a train. Looks like you’ll need to find another way home from a late Saturday night outing. 

It is legal for a robber to file a lawsuit if he or she got hurt in your house. 

This one sounds strange at first, but it’s definitely good to know. While it’s hard to guarantee that a robbery won’t happen, even with the most advanced protection systems, this law is a good reminder to be vigilant in keeping your home and family safe.  

Anyone can keep their cow on Main Street downtown at a cost of 3 cents per day (in Wayland, MI). 

Looking for a place to keep your cow? You’re in luck! Head over to Wayland, MI for a deal. 

Smoking while in bed is illegal (in Soo, MI). 

Whether this law was passed to keep your bedroom’s indoor air clear, or because one person too many lit their bed on fire while smoking, we can’t be sure. Still, if you’d prefer to smoke in bed, you can’t do it in Soo, MI. 

Willfully destroying your old radio is prohibited (in Detroit, MI). 

If you’re no longer interested in keeping your old radio, just about the only thing you can’t do to get rid of it is intentionally destroy it. It might be better to consider donating it, anyway. 

It is illegal to paint sparrows to sell them as parakeets (in Harper Woods, MI). 

Apparently, this was a common enough issue at one time to make it a law; no person may paint, spray, dye, or otherwise color a bird to sell it as another species. But this isn’t specific to Harper Woods! Michigan law agrees that it is illegal to sell an artificially colored animal. While we can’t be sure of this law’s origins, we know that this one definitely benefits the animals. 

Protecting Our Clients 

Are you surprised by these laws? Even the strangest laws are still laws, so it’s important to be aware of what is illegal in Michigan. Read more about understanding the law in our blog: Can I Be Arrested If I Didn't Know It Was Illegal?

To learn more about how Daniel D. Hajji, Attorney at Law can help you navigate the law, contact our office at (248) 599-0054. We offer free consultations! 

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