Michigan § 252.318a - Billboards; advertising purchase or consumption of tobacco products prohibited; advertising sexually oriented business prohibited; violation; civil fine.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 252.318a — Billboards; advertising purchase or consumption of tobacco products prohibited; advertising sexually oriented business prohibited; violation; civil fine., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 252.318a. Billboards; advertising purchase or consumption of tobacco products prohibited; advertising sexually oriented business prohibited; violation; civil fine.

Sec. 18a.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, beginning January 1, 2000, all billboards within this state are subject to this act and shall not advertise the purchase or consumption of tobacco products.

(2) Beginning January 1, 2011, any billboard within this state that advertises a sexually oriented business shall display only words or numbers and may display the business's trademark if the trademark has been registered under the Lanham act, 15 USC 1051 to 1141n, or under 1969 PA 242, MCL 429.31 to 429.46. The words on a billboard shall not describe or relate to a specified sexual activity or specified anatomical area. As used in this subsection:

(a) "Sexually oriented business" includes, but is not limited to, an adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, sexual device shop, sexual encounter center, or an establishment that regularly features live performances characterized by the exposure of a specific anatomical area or by a specific sexual activity or in which persons appear in a state of nudity or seminudity in the performance of their duties. However, sexually oriented business does not include a business solely because it shows, sells, or rents materials that may depict sex.

(b) "Specified anatomical area" means less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if covered.

(c) "Specified sexual activity" means the fondling or other erotic touching of covered or uncovered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breast.

(d) "Seminudity" means a state of dress in which opaque clothing fails to cover the genitals, anus, anal cleft or cleavage, pubic area, vulva, or nipple and areola of the female breast.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, a person who violates this section is responsible for a civil fine of not less than $5,000.00 or more than $10,000.00 for each day of violation. A civil fine collected under this section shall be distributed to public libraries as provided under 1964 PA 59, MCL 397.31 to 397.40.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 252.318a

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 252.318a cover?

Section 252.318a ("Billboards; advertising purchase or consumption of tobacco products prohibited; advertising sexually oriented business prohibited; violation; civil fine.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 252.318a?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 252.318a" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 252.318a apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.