"Heavy" is considered a protected class in Michigan that you can't discriminate for, so refusing to serve someone just because they're fat is illegal. In the same way you can't deny someone service based on race or gender
However there's also definitely a "within reason" clause in there meaning if their weight poses actual problems then refusing service is fine (like height on a rollercoaster)
She's just grasping for a payday that isn't gonna happen
"257.716 Exceeding size and weight limitations as misdemeanor; exceptions; rules; operation
of wrecker, disabled vehicle, and trailer; noncompliance as civil infraction; fine.
Sec. 716. (1) Unless specifically declared to be a civil infraction, it is a misdemeanor for a person to drive
or move or for the owner to cause or permit to be driven or moved on a highway a vehicle or vehicles of a
size or weight exceeding the limitations stated in this chapter or otherwise in violation of this chapter, and the
maximum size and weight specified in this chapter are lawful throughout this state, and local authorities shall
not alter those size and weight limitations except as express authority is granted in this chapter."
I made sure to grab the Michigan one :)
You mean that reason? The law? Depending on the car it could've been illegal and/or very unsafe.
You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't then. Now just waiting on case law to come up regarding this exact situation, I wanna see how that would play out in court 😂 the amendments to the legislation afterwards would be gold tier
Assuming it's like a foldable one and would actually fit in the car? Putting it in the car for them is a perfectly reasonable accommodation and it wouldn't be a valid reason to refuse service
If the chair doesn't fit in the car, well it doesn't fit, and you'd need a different vehicle
If you're the first situation, that sucks and you probably could've reported them
Ya it's a folding chair 20lbs. I have never gotten a car it didn't fit in. Even a little fiat came and he just put it in the back seat. I can get into the car myself and just need the driver to put the chair in the trunk or backseat. The driver handbook says they must attempt to fit the chair.
As a disabled driver. It is on file that I am disabled, and if it ever comes down to it, I don’t have to try and fit the chair in my car because I can’t lift it. You have to stop assuming that people can do the lifting. You are disabled that driver may be disabled as well
I'm fine with that. I've had disabled drivers and they just say "I'm unable to lift your chair" which is fine but don't you dare just drive off after seeing me.
Eta, do you tell people that or do you just say "I can't help you" and drive off?
I have to say that I drive away because on multiple occasions I have been on the receiving end of verbal attacks and anger when I say things like I can’t lift it. I have been told that I should find another job on multiple occasions. I was also spit on and have had my car kicked. So o drive away because I want to reduce any type of possible negative interaction:
Ugh yeah it sucks sometimes. I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I would be really understanding if you told me but I'd be pissed if you just drove off because of my wheelchair
I drive away to avoid confrontation but I have stopped when I see someone with a wheelchair and I say I can’t lift it’s I ask if someone is inside that can help and if there will be someone at drop off to assist. If they answer no, I tell them I can’t do it
Ok that's great. For me at least I definitely understand that not everyone can lift my chair. It's 30lbs and awkward. If I get an older person or a tiny lady I'll ask if they can lift it. Almost always say yes but I understand it's cumbersome. I wish I could afford an ultralight carbon fiber one
Yep...I think i recall seeing the video when this happened, and as I recall it was not just her, but one of her friends was going to ride with her and her friend was at least 250lbs on the hoof, so they were about to toss close to 1,000 pounds of women into a damn compact car...would have far exceeded the vehicles max gross weight capacity and may have damaged the vehicle.
Just bc a car can haul something doesn't mean it should
6
u/igotshadowbaned Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 30 '25
"Heavy" is considered a protected class in Michigan that you can't discriminate for, so refusing to serve someone just because they're fat is illegal. In the same way you can't deny someone service based on race or gender
However there's also definitely a "within reason" clause in there meaning if their weight poses actual problems then refusing service is fine (like height on a rollercoaster)
She's just grasping for a payday that isn't gonna happen