The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and partners Michigan Department of Attorney General, DTE Energy, Miller Canfield, the Detroit Justice Center, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan 2-1-1 are relaunching the Road to Restoration program for 2023.
The statewide series of clinics helps drivers with suspended licenses complete the required steps to safely get back behind the wheel.
This is the second year of the Road to Restoration program that assists Michiganders at locations throughout the state.
In 2022, more than 4,000 Michigan residents were served at 18 clinics held in 11 cities, including Alpena, Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Traverse City.
At each clinic, residents meet one-on-one with expert staff to learn how to get their driving privileges restored and they can complete as many steps as possible on site. While residents may be required to pay past fines, the expertise is provided free of charge.
“Making state government work for the people of Michigan by meeting them where they are has been one of my top priorities as Secretary of State,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership has already made a real difference in the lives of many Michiganders. I am grateful to our community partners and volunteers who will help us bring this successful effort to the people who need it most throughout the state this year.”
In 2021, new state laws lifted suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets or court fines, or failed to appear in court, for certain non-moving and other violations.
While the new laws removed suspensions for more than 150,000 Michiganders, many must still take further action before their license is restored. Road to Restoration clinics assist residents in navigating any necessary additional steps to safely return to driving.
“DTE is proud of the continued partnership with MDOS on the Road to Restoration initiative that’s providing in-person, community-centric support to Michiganders restoring their full, safe driving privileges,” said Lynette Dowler, DTE vice president of public affairs. “Not having a driver’s license as a result of minor infractions such as unpaid parking tickets creates immense barriers to employment and caring for oneself, children, and family. Assisting people in these circumstances means more than the restoration of their license, it restores their ability to thrive in our communities.”
“We are honored to continue our support of the Road to Restoration clinics throughout the state of Michigan,” said Wendy Richards, Miller Canfield pro bono counsel. “The Road to Restoration initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for our lawyers to serve in a personal and meaningful way.”
The first Road to Restoration clinic of 2023 will be held March 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SVRC Marketplace in Saginaw. Additional clinics are scheduled for Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, Downriver, Mt. Pleasant, Alpena, and the Upper Peninsula.
For more information about the program, to find a clinic near you, or to sign up for an upcoming clinic, visit Michigan.gov/RoadtoRestoration or dial 2-1-1.
Space for clinics may be limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended.
The clinics do not provide DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.
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