Is Spitting Illegal? These Michigan Cities Ban Public ‘Ptooey’

I'm just gonna come right out and say it: No one looks good spitting. That said, sometimes you can't help it, like when you accidentally eat a piece of black licorice or an oatmeal cookie.

Related: Michigan Bed Bugs: 4 Michigan Cities Crawling on US 50 Most Infested

Before you launch whatever it is in your mouth that you feel needs to be expelled in public, you'd better check the local laws. Why? Well, in some Michigan metros, spitting could result in a fine OR up to 90 days in jail!

Spitting in These Michigan Municipalities May Result in Jail Time

If you're looking to 'hock a loogie' in any of these Michigan cities, be ready to meet the local authorities if you're caught. Imagine the conversation you'll have with some of the new friends you'll make in the holding tank.

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No Ptooey in Scottville, Michigan

American Legal Publishing states that spitting or releasing any type of bodily fluid or substance in public is a big no-no in Scottville, Michigan:

§ 130.14 SPITTING, URINATING, OR DEFECATING IN PUBLIC.

   No person shall spit, urinate, defecate, or perform any other act which creates a hazardous or deleterious condition in any public place or any other place not specifically designated for that purpose or upon the property of any other person.

Unless otherwise specifically provided for a particular municipal civil infraction violation by this code or other city ordinance, for each violation the civil fine shall not exceed $500, plus costs, expenses and other sanctions; or jail time for 90 days, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Wow. That penalty will make you think twice about emptying the contents of your mouth in Scottville.

Mind Your Manners in Marquette, Michigan

If you think hitting the Upper Peninsula means you can leave your manners behind, think again. Marquette, Michigan has no tolerance for rude behavior according to Sec. 32-3 of their municipal code:

(a)

Spitting in public. No person shall spit on any sidewalk or on the floor or seat of any public carrier, or on any floor, wall, seat or equipment of any place of public assemblage.

(b)

Public urination and defecation. No person shall urinate or defecate on any street, alley or other open public place.

(c)

Civil infraction. Anyone who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a fine per the city adopted fee schedule.

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Marquette and Scottville aren't alone in their loathing for hocking loogies in groups, most people find it unsettling, and many cities have ordinances that reflect that disdain. As a rule of thumb, if you need to spit something out (like those nasty oatmeal cookies or coconut), find a place to do it out of the public eye.