15 Weird Laws That Exist in Michigan

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15 Weird Laws That Exist in Michigan

The law is ever-changing, with different rules and regulations being passed throughout time in reaction to societal shifts. However, some laws have inexplicably stood the test of time. The laws were enacted to regulate the lives of citizens. They cover things as weird as ice cream to how to dress.

Regardless, the laws served a purpose at the time. Today, they sound very weird and out of the world. Be ready to be wowed and have your ribs cracked. Here are the 15 weird laws that exist in Michigan.

1. It’s illegal to sell cars on Sundays

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It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of buying, selling, trading or exchanging new, used or second-hand motor vehicles. Many laws made it illegal to trade specifically on Sunday.

This was done in an effort to ensure that more people went to church. Sunday being the most common day of worship. The law states if a dealership is located in a county that has a population below 130,000, it can sell cars on Sunday. While the law is not enforced, most dealerships close on Sunday.

2. It is illegal to kill a dog in a decompression chamber

Decompression chambers are sealed chambers that can create a high-pressure environment, which tends to be used for medical purposes. Still, there is a point when higher-than-normal pressure can cause serious problems for living beings that are used to normal pressures. This law was enacted to curb the rise of people killing dogs using a decompression chamber.

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3. You are not allowed to be drunk in a train

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Persons may not be drunk on trains. 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.

4. It is illegal to seduce an unmarried woman

Any man who shall seduce and debauch any unmarried woman shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than five years or by fine of not more than $2,500. However, no prosecution shall be commenced under this section after one year from the time of committing the offense. This can be termed as cohabitation.

5. Adultery is not allowed

 Adultery is illegal, but can only be punished upon a complaint by the affected husband or wife. Any person who shall commit adultery shall be guilty of a felony. When the crime is committed between a married woman and a man who is unmarried, the man shall be guilty of adultery, and liable to the same punishment.

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6. A woman cannot cut her hair at her own will

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A woman isn’t allowed to cut her own hair without her husband’s permission. Hair was a symbol of womanhood. Further, this was a time when patriarchy was at it’s peek. This is the reason behind such absurd laws.

7. It is legal for a robber to sue if they get hurt in your house

While they are criminals, these people are still human. The state still has the responsibility to protect its citizens. This is why it is legal for a robber to sue if they get hurt in your house.

8. Destroying a vintage radio is illegal

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If you’re no longer interested in keeping your old radio, forget about intentionally destroy it. It might be better to consider donating. This might have been enacted to protect the city’s heritage. Who knew radios could be so important.

9. It is illegal to paint sparrows

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.

10. Smoking in bed is not allowed

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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. However, common sense tells me smoking in bed could easily lead to fire outbreaks or accidents. As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry.

11. It is illegal to serenade your girlfriend

It’s illegal in Kalamazoo to serenade your girlfriend. So you were suddenly possessed by a romantic spirit, pick a quieter option and go with a bouquet of flowers. Must be hard for our romantic lot.

12. Bathing suits must be inspected by the head of police

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In Rochester, the law requires that all bathing suits must be inspected by the head of police. Well, this for sure is hard to understand.

13. It is illegal to throw an abandoned hoop skirt

No one in Grand Haven is allowed to throw an abandoned hoop skirt into the street, or onto any sidewalk. Anyone caught tossing out their old hoop skirts on the road will face a $5 fine.

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14. It is illegal to have sex in a car

This law makes it illegal to engage in sex in a car parked in public places. However, engaging in sex while parked in your space for instance your garage is not outlawed. This was done to ensure that public spaces are respected and to reduce the possibility of a nuisance.

15. Anyone over age 12 can get a gun

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Anyone over age 12 can get a gun license if they haven’t committed a felony. This is careless law that should no longer be in the books. With many attempts to reduce shootings in schools, making guns easily accessible to children who are yet to mature mentally is a careless act.

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