LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

That’s the gist of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) current attempt to formalize rules that would limit camping, panhandling, and long-term stays at state facilities, like rest stops.

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MDOT officials discussed the proposed rules during virtual public hearings this week, saying the rules would make it a misdemeanor to park vehicles at public rest areas for more than two days, ask for money on MDOT property, live in vehicles, or sleep under overpasses.

The new rules would cover all MDOT properties. Those include 61 highway rest areas, 82 roadside parks, 267 carpool lots, 23 scenic turnouts, 14 welcome centers and other areas under the department oversight. Highways, overpasses, culverts, and certain sidewalks fall under that purview as well.

While some say the proposed rules criminalize homelessness, others are concerned about their impact on recreational and business travelers.

“As a frequent business & recreational traveler I, my co-workers, friends & family regularly use MDOT roadside facilities for trips that vary from a single day up to two or three weeks,” one resident wrote to MDOT on its Facebook page. “A strict 48 hour limit would undermine the purpose of park & ride lots by forcing more vehicles to move more often, increasing traffic, energy use, and pollution. Short-term turnover rules make sense for commuter-only lots, but many MDOT lots serve multi-day travelers who rely on safe, long-term parking.”

The commenter added, “I propose a practical alternative that preserves safety & lot availability while accommodating longer trips: allow drivers to register their vehicle and intended parking duration through a simple online form.”

MDOT’s public comment period runs through Nov. 20 and can be accessed here.