If you were on the island this week, you may have gotten the rare opportunity to see a motorized vehicle. Lots of people visiting the island get frustrated when they see something like this because they think cars are
completely banned on Mackinac. They aren't. During the summer they only come out only when absolutely necessary -
fire,
EMS, the electric company's bucket truck, etc.
This house had a blocked sewer so there was no choice than to call in the big guns to dig up and replace the sewer line. You see, the law on Mackinac Island is clear: everything that can be done by horsepower, must be done by horsepower. Generally, the work requiring vehicles happens after the tourist season during the winter months, but some things, such as a clogged sewer, can't wait until the season ends. The law is also clear about the "health, safety, and welfare" of the island's residents; if a motorized vehicle is needed for an emergency, it is going to be allowed.
Non-emergency vehicles, other than those used by public utilities, must be granted a Vehicle Permit by the City Council. They are easy to get as long as what you need it for
can't be done by horses. A moving truck, for example, is not going to get a permit. You can
move your household to the dock with a dray and then load the truck on the mainland. Is it more work? Sure, but it's one of the things we accept as part of living on Mackinac. The only time Allen and I have needed vehicle permits was when we
built our house. We needed one for both the truck and the crane; two jobs that definitely couldn't be done by horsepower!
