Michigan’s Forgotten Law! There Is The ‘No Eating In Cars’ Policy, And Be Aware From Penalty

DEBARYLIFE – You have a lot on your plate. Everyone is occupied. Having a fast food meal or even a brief snack in the car would not be frowned upon. Is that, however, legal? There are rules in place in some areas of Michigan that forbid eating in vehicles. But do they ever come into force?

The inquiry arose lately following the discovery in Detroit of an antiquated “No Eating in Cars – City Ordinance” sign, which was published on Reddit.

The sign was discovered by the uploader in the Elmwood Park area. The sign’s obvious age and the peculiar law it alludes to made it an intriguing discovery.

Several more signs with identical regulations that are usually found in restaurant parking lots were commented on by those who viewed the post.

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One similar one that reads “No Eating in Cars” is located on the back of Bates Burgers in Livonia.

Burgers Bates Livonia: Avoid Dining In Vehicles

An enterprising Redditor discovered minutes from a 1969 Livonia Planning Commission meeting that addressed permission for a new McDonald’s restaurant and briefly touched on whether or not customers would be permitted to eat in their cars, even though the practice is forbidden by local rule.

The Real Text of Detroit’s No-Eating-in-Cars Law

Therefore, it seems that the Detroit area’s laws against eating in cars are more about loitering than they are about operating a vehicle while eating. The Detroit ordinance’s language appears to still be in effect as of right now (our emphasis added):

It is forbidden to consume food on the property outside of the restaurant building. To ensure that this prohibition is followed, the enforcing official may decide to post signs appropriately warning people that it is illegal to consume food, frozen desserts, or beverages inside parked cars and that offenders will face legal penalties.

These signs must be placed in the building next to the restaurant’s checkout counter and the parking lot so that every car on the property can see them.

Thus, proceed with your takeout meal or risk paying a fee. I’m curious as to if anyone has ever been charged under this ordinance or whether it’s just the most disregarded law in Michigan.