Detroit, MI Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 31-5-5
- Where it applies
- Any public place in Detroit
- Exception
- Restroom provided for that purpose
- Max penalty
- $500 fine and/or 90 days jail
Summary
Detroit bans urinating or defecating anywhere in public other than a designated restroom. The prohibition is citywide and carries standard misdemeanor penalties under the general code.
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate in a public place, other than in a restroom provided for such purpose.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Detroit City Code § 31-5-5 makes it unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate in a public place, other than in a restroom provided for that purpose. The section carries no specific penalty of its own, so the general penalty clause in § 1-1-9 applies: a fine of up to $500.00, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both, in the court's discretion, with each day of a continuing violation counting as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500.00, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per § 1-1-9's general penalty; enforced by Detroit Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Detroit?
What's the penalty for public urination in Detroit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle public urination.