THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931

750.231c "Aircraft," "approved signaling device," and "vessel" defined; sections inapplicable to approved signaling device; sale, purchase, possession, or use of approved signaling device; violation as misdemeanor; penalties. Sec. 231c.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Aircraft" means aircraft as defined in section 43. (b) "Approved signaling device" means a pistol which is a signaling device approved by the United States coast guard pursuant to regulations issued under former section 4488 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, 46 U.S.C. Appx. 481, or under former section 5 of the federal boat safety act of 1971, Public Law 92-75, 46 U.S.C. 1454. (c) "Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. (2) Sections 223, 227, 228, 232, 232a, and 237 shall not apply to an approved signaling device. (3) A person shall not sell an approved signaling device to a person, nor shall a person purchase an approved signaling device, unless the purchaser is 18 years of age or older and either of the following apply: (a) The purchaser possesses and displays to the seller any of the following: (i) A valid and current certificate of number issued pursuant to section 80124 of part 801 (marine safety) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being section 324.80124 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, for a vessel. (ii) If a vessel is considered in compliance with the numbering requirements of this state pursuant to section 80122 of part 801 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being section 324.80122 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, proof of ownership or proof of the vessel's being numbered in another state. (iii) If a vessel is not required to be numbered or to display a decal under part 801 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.80101 to 324.80199 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, proof of ownership of the vessel. (b) The purchaser is the holder of and displays to the seller a valid and effective airman's certificate of competency issued by the United States or a foreign government. (4) A person may possess an approved signaling device only under the following circumstances: (a) The possession occurs in the process of manufacturing, marketing, or sale of the device, including the transportation of the device as merchandise, and the device is unloaded. (b) The device is on a vessel or on an aircraft. (c) The device is at a person's residence. (d) The person is en route from the place of purchase to the person's residence or the person's vessel or aircraft or between the person's residence and the person's vessel or aircraft. (e) The device is in a vehicle other than a vessel or aircraft and all of the following apply: (i) The device is unloaded. (ii) The device is enclosed in a case and either is carried in the trunk of the vehicle which has a trunk or is otherwise not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle. (iii) Subdivision (d) applies. (5) A person shall not use an approved signaling device unless he or she reasonably believes that its use is necessary for the safety of the person or of another person on the waters of this state or in an aircraft emergency situation. (6) A person who sells, purchases, or possesses an approved signaling device in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $200.00, or both. (7) A person who uses an approved signaling device in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00.

History: Add. 1982, Act 185, Eff. July 1, 1982 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 80, Imd. Eff. Feb. 27, 1996

Understanding Michigan's Laws on the Use of Approved Signaling Devices

This excerpt is from the Michigan Penal Code, specifically Act 328 of 1931, Section 231c. It defines regulations surrounding the sale, purchase, possession, and use of approved signaling devices.

Definitions

In this section, the following terms are defined:

1. Aircraft: The term "aircraft" is defined as outlined in section 43 of the same act.
2. Approved Signaling Device: This is a pistol-like device that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as a signaling device according to certain federal statutes.
3. Vessel: A vessel refers to any type of watercraft that is used or can be used for transportation on water. Seaplanes on the water are excluded.

Regulations for Approved Signaling Devices

Sections 223, 227, 228, 232, 232a, and 237 of this Act don't apply to these approved signaling devices.

The law stipulates who can purchase such devices:

1. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old.
2. The purchaser must present either a valid certificate of number for a vessel, proof of ownership or proof of vessel's being numbered in another state, proof of ownership of a vessel not required to be numbered or display a decal, or a valid and effective airman's certificate of competency issued by the U.S. or a foreign government.

Conditions for Possession

The law also provides conditions under which a person can possess an approved signaling device:

1. During the manufacturing, marketing, or sale process, including transportation of the unloaded device.
2. When the device is on a vessel or aircraft.
3. When the device is at the person's residence.
4. While the person is en route from the place of purchase to their residence, vessel, or aircraft, or between their residence and their vessel or aircraft.
5. When the device is in a vehicle, other than a vessel or aircraft, under specific conditions including the device being unloaded and enclosed in a case, not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle, and the person is en route as described earlier.

Usage of Approved Signaling Devices

The law states that a person should only use an approved signaling device if they reasonably believe that it's necessary for the safety of themselves or another person on Michigan waters or in an aircraft emergency situation.

Penalties

Selling, purchasing, or possessing an approved signaling device in violation of this law is considered a misdemeanor. It's punishable by a prison term of up to 90 days, a fine of up to $200, or both.

Using an approved signaling device in violation of this law is also a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $200.

As always, consult a legal professional for advice related to specific circumstances. This interpretation is based on the text of the law and may be subject to change or different interpretations based on various factors.