Mackinac Island Police Cracking Down on Speeding Snowmobiles

At left: Corporal Ken Hardy of the Mackinac Island Police Department monitors speeds of snowmobilers traveling down Market Street Tuesday, January 19. Evening speed patrols have increased on Mackinac Island following a wave of complaints that snowmobiles are traveling too fast on city streets and in neighborhoods. Several tickets already have been issued, said Police Chief Jim Marks Thursday, January 21. He cautions drivers to slow down.

"The speeding seems to be worse because the residents of Harrisonville have been complaining more this year," he said, "so, we've taken a more proactive approach to speeding and there have been violations issued. It's not something we're going to quit doing. We are going to do it for the rest of the snowmobile season."

The maximum speed on city streets is 20 miles per hour and 25 miles per hour is the top speed allowed on state park roads. Snowmobiles are allowed on city streets and designated state park roads, but are not allowed on trails, some of which are reserved for cross-country skiing.

Speed has been a contributing factor in snowmobile accidents on the Island in past years, said Chief Marks.

More than 400 snowmobiles are in operation on the Island, said Chief Marks.

Police are clocking speeds with a hand-held radar from police snowmobiles and with a mounted radar inside the patrol car.

A speeding ticket is considered a civil infraction. A $110 fine is assessed the first time and a $220 fine is levied for a second offense.

"The main use of snowmobiles on the Island is strictly transportation," said Chief Marks. "It's like a car on the mainland. With too much speed, we end up with accidents, and that's what we're trying to prevent."

The city requires Island snowmobilers to get a free permit from the police department. It must be affixed to the snowmobile. The police department also tracks snowmobiles through state registration. Mackinac Island State Park also requires snowmobilers to have a free permit, available at the park field office behind Fort Mackinac.

Island students often drive snowmobiles to school and to visit friends. They are allowed to operate the machine if they are at least 12 years old, have taken a snowmobile safety class, and earned a certificate. Those who are 17 years of age and older can drive a snowmobile without taking the class. A drivers license is not needed to operate the machine, but if the Michigan drivers license is suspended or revoked, driving a snowmobile is not permitted.