Sterling Heights Imposes Daily Limits on Cryptocurrency Machines with New Licensing Rules

Sterling Heights imposes daily limits and licensing rules on cryptocurrency machines, including Bitcoin ATMs, joining a few Metro Detroit cities this month.

Sterling Heights leaders have revised a proposed ordinance to regulate cryptocurrency machines in the city, adding daily transaction limits to the new rules. The ordinance targets virtual currency kiosks and Bitcoin ATMs, establishing licensing and operating requirements that aim to balance innovation with public safety and consumer protection.

The move places Sterling Heights among a small but growing number of Metro Detroit municipalities implementing policies specifically for cryptocurrency machines. City officials say the revised ordinance focuses on accountability: operators would need to obtain a municipal license, follow operating standards, and comply with recordkeeping and reporting expectations. The newly added daily transaction limits are intended to curb large-volume, potentially illicit activity while still allowing routine use by residents.

For users, the ordinance could mean changes at neighborhood Bitcoin ATMs and crypto kiosks, such as visible license information, transaction caps, and clearer consumer notices. For operators and businesses that host machines, the rules introduce new compliance steps — licensing applications, possible fees, and operational restrictions. Operators should prepare to adapt software and signage and to cooperate with city inspections or reporting requirements if the ordinance is adopted.

Supporters say the regulation will help deter money laundering and fraud, improve transparency, and address community concerns about unregulated machines. Critics caution that overly strict limits could reduce access for legitimate users and hamper small businesses that rely on kiosks for customer convenience. City leaders have indicated they want a balanced approach that protects residents without stifling technological growth.

As Sterling Heights moves the ordinance through the municipal process, stakeholders — including cryptocurrency machine operators, local businesses, and residents — will likely weigh in during public comment periods. The ordinance’s implementation could influence neighboring cities in Metro Detroit considering similar regulations.

Residents who use or host cryptocurrency machines should monitor local announcements and city council agendas to understand the final rules and timelines. The evolving ordinance highlights how municipalities are increasingly addressing the intersection of digital currency technology and local regulation, seeking practical solutions for safety and accountability while recognizing the growth of crypto services in everyday commerce.

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