Is It Illegal To Spit on the Sidewalk in Portland, Maine?

I'll just come right out and say it at the top here. Spitting is gross. Like, really gross. I know I'll get all kinds of social media comments about my dislike, just like when I complained about the person who dropped dog poop in my trash can, not realizing the large amount of maggots it would produce in just a day. But I digress.

Let's say you're walking down the street in Portland, Maine. The largest city in the state that has easy-to-walk sidewalks in most places and many made out of brick. It gives the downtown area a unique look that you don't see too many places. Sidewalks along Congress Street are nice and wide too, allowing the many people who walk from place to place in downtown Portland plenty of space.

You suddenly feel the urge to spit. You coughed something up that you can't hold on to in your mouth. Gross, I know, but you have to get rid of it. So you spit the grossness out and it lands on the sidewalk. Did you just break the law by spitting on a sidewalk in Portland?

Believe it or not, you did.

Now this isn't one of those really old blue laws Maine has like attempting to catch lobsters barehanded being illegal for over a century. This law was enacted in Portland in 1994. You can even read it for yourself on the City of Portland's website, but here's what it says:

It is unlawful for any person to expectorate on the floor or any other part of any public conveyance, or on the floor or walls of any public hall, building or office, or upon any sidewalk within the limits of the City, or on the floor or walls of any room where foodstuffs are prepared or kept for sale.

It seems reasonable to me, especially in rooms where "foodstuffs" are prepared.

The chances of you getting a ticket for spitting on the sidewalk are pretty slim, but it does send the message.