Woodward Dream Cruise: Do's and Don'ts

"Here's the deal: Whatever the law is, people have to comply,"  Deputy Director Robert North said. "That doesn't change just because it's the Dream Cruise."

Good advice for the 1 million-plus people expected to attend the 17th annual Woodward Dream Cruise this weekend. 

But can you walk through slow moving traffic, hang out on the manicured median or yell "Burn rubber!" at the passing hot rods? We asked local law enforcement agencies what Dream Cruisers can and cannot do.

Don't jay walk; you will be ticketed. Walk to an intersection and use the cross walk.

Leave the alcohol at home or enjoy it inside designated spaces in bars, restaurants and party areas. If you are intoxicated on the sidewalk you could spend the night in jail, Royal Oak Mayor Ellison said, it's up to the discretion of the police.

Drivers must have registration and insurance documentation, proper license plates and obey traffic laws, North said.

Spectators are advised to be aware of their surroundings, too. "Keep your kids in sight and close to you," he said.

"It's a family oriented event," and alcohol is not permitted outside of designated areas such as restaurants, North said. "We want everyone to have a safe, successful event as we celebrate our motor vehicle history – and that's the bottom line."

 Lt. Ron Livingston warned cruisers that squealing tires is a civil infraction.

"It's very dangerous," he said, adding that drivers or fans will be ticketed for throwing bleach on the road or curb to cause burnouts.

Bloomfield Township's Matejcik said they'll be watching for disorderly conduct and open alcohol, which are common throughout Dream Cruise week.

He also stressed the importance of not sitting too close to the action on the roadway, and staying off the Woodward median, which is a perennial problem. 
"Every year we end up having to chase people off of there. It is illegal," Matejcik said.

The grassy medians might look like a great place to watch the cruising action, but Lt. Thomas Goad pointed out they must remain clear for law enforcement vehicles and ambulances if they need to maneuver around traffic.

Cruisegoers can set up chairs and blankets between the sidewalk and curb, but sidewalks must remain clear. 

"We also want people to make sure that if they're sitting along Woodward people are far enough back for safety reasons. That way if there is an incident on the road, no one on the sidelines gets involved."

In Ferndale, however, the city allows spectators to watch from the median, but canopies and tents are not permitted, said Michael Lary, Ferndale's Woodward Dream Cruise event coordinator. Pedestrians can cross at Woodward and Nine Mile.