Direction matters
Where to request a driver
Use the south-side shoulder
Pull onto the wide shoulder just north of Exit 339 near the booth. Call Bridge Services at 906-643-7600 to request assistance.
Use the administration building
On the north side in St. Ignace, request the service from inside the Mackinac Bridge Authority administration building.
Do not confuse driver assistance with a wind escort. Driver assistance is for someone who wants Bridge Authority staff to drive their vehicle. A high-wind escort is a restriction applied to high-profile vehicles. Driver assistance does not make a prohibited vehicle eligible during a partial closure.
Before you arrive
Cost, availability and requirements
The Bridge Authority lists the service as available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The normal toll for the vehicle is added to the $10 driver-assistance charge.
The official service page states that drivers must be at least 18 years old.
Bridge staff complete the Authority's current waiver and checklist before crossing.
What the checklist may cover
The Bridge Authority's published service information says the customer must agree to several operational items. These can include allowing the employee to adjust mirrors and the driver's seat, interior dash-camera recording during the crossing, and keeping animals restrained. Review the current official waiver when you arrive because procedures can change.
A practical choice
When driver assistance makes sense
You do not need to wait for bad weather to use this service. It is designed for drivers who simply do not feel comfortable driving across. That may include people who dislike heights, feel uneasy on long suspension bridges, are worried about the open-grate lanes, or would rather not handle a wind-sensitive vehicle themselves.
Always check the current official bridge status before approaching. A full closure stops all traffic. During a partial closure, high-profile vehicles are prohibited even if the owner would prefer Bridge Authority staff to drive.
Common questions
Driver assistance questions
Will someone drive my RV or vehicle with a trailer?
The service is for vehicles, but the current official restriction still controls. During a partial closure, a high-profile vehicle or vehicle towing cannot cross. Call Bridge Services if you need the Authority to confirm your specific vehicle or current eligibility.
Do I need a reservation?
The official page instructs travelers to request service at the correct side of the bridge and does not publish an online reservation system. Call Bridge Services from the south-side request point if directed.
Is the toll included in the $10 fee?
No. The official price is $10 plus the appropriate toll for the vehicle. Use the Mackinac Bridge toll calculator to estimate the crossing total.
Can driver assistance operate when the bridge is closed?
No vehicle may cross during a full closure. Wait for the official report to show that the bridge has reopened.