Hines Park Citations in May: Open Container, Marijuana, and Curfew Rules in Wayne County Parks

Hines Park stretches along the Middle Rouge River from Northville through Plymouth, Livonia, Westland, and beyond. As the weather warms up in May, traffic through Hines Drive picks up, parking lots fill, and law enforcement begins issuing more citations for park-related offenses. Wayne County Parks and local law enforcement work together to enforce the rules — and many visitors are surprised by how strict the citations can be.

Open Container Citations

Michigan does not have a statewide criminal statute on drinking alcohol in public parks — that area is generally governed by local park ordinances. Wayne County Parks rules prohibit consumption of alcohol in Hines Park outside of designated permitted areas. Violations are typically issued as ordinance citations, but a violation can also support related state charges, including:

• Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle (MCL 257.624a) — a misdemeanor for carrying an open or uncapped alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a vehicle.
• Disorderly conduct (MCL 750.167) if intoxication is involved.

Marijuana in the Park

Under MCL 333.27954, marijuana use in any public place — including a park — is prohibited. Public consumption is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100 for a first offense (and higher for subsequent offenses). Marijuana use in a motor vehicle is treated more seriously and can support an OWI investigation if you then operate the vehicle.

Park Curfew and Trespassing

Wayne County Parks have posted hours. After-hours presence can result in:

• A park ordinance violation,
• A trespass charge under MCL 750.552 (30-day misdemeanor), depending on the circumstances and posting.

OWI in the Park

Michigan's OWI law (MCL 257.625) applies to operation of a motor vehicle on any place "generally accessible to motor vehicles," which includes park drives and parking lots. You can be charged with OWI for operating in a Hines Park parking lot or on Hines Drive, not just on public streets.

What to Do If You Receive a Park Citation

Many park citations look minor and tempt people to just pay them. But:

• Some carry points or have consequences if ignored.
• Some support related criminal charges if there's a pattern.
• Marijuana civil infractions still go on a record that can be reviewed by employers and licensing boards.

It is worth asking a lawyer to review any citation before you simply pay it.

Call Boria Law Today

If you received a citation or were arrested in Hines Park or another Wayne County park, attorney Aaron J. Boria can help. Boria Law handles park-related ordinance violations and criminal charges in the 35th District Court and across Wayne County.

Call (734) 453-7806 today for a free consultation.