The Michigan Department of State (MDOS), Department of the Attorney General, and community partners hosted the latest in the second series of Road to Restoration clinics in Detroit on August 24th, part of the joint effort to continue helping drivers with suspended licenses complete the necessary steps to safely restore their driving privileges.
“The number of citizens we’ve seen take advantage of these clinics at every stop along the way is a testament to how important it is to provide this service,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Having a driv- er’s license is critical to ensuring Michiganders are able to get back on the road and go about the business of their lives, and we are grateful for the partners and volunteers who continue to allow us to bring government directly to the people who need it most.”
The Road to Restoration clinics, staffed by MDOS, the Department of the Attorney General and volunteer attorneys, help residents determine how they can restore their licenses and when possible, provide the services they need to do so on site. The clinic, the third held in Detroit, was hosted by Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc (LA SED).
“LA SED is pleased to work with MDOS to provide over 800 people the opportunity to restore their driving privileges,” said Mary Carmen Munoz, LA SED Executive Director. “Not having a valid driver’s licenses prevents people from better jobs or safely driving themselves or family to complete the simplest of daily chores such as doctor visits, grocery shopping or family events. This is the perfect example of community orga- nizations working together to improve the lives of many.”
The clinics are made possible by numerous partner organiza- tions including DTE Energy, Miller Canfield Law Firm, Detroit Justice Center, and United Way, as well as location partners like LA SED who provide the space for the clinics. On Oct. 1, 2021, new state laws lifted license suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets or court fines or failed to appear in court for certain non-moving and other violations. In the months following, MDOS canceled infractions on the driving records of more than 350,000 Michiganders. However, many individuals must take additional measures before their licenses are restored. MDOS mailed letters to all residents affected by the law change, explaining their current status and outlining additional action they must take before they can resume driving.
Future clinics are scheduled for Alpena, Traverse City, Saginaw, Lansing and Benton Harbor. Michiganders who believe they may qualify to have their license reinstated or who have a question about their driving history can get more information or sign up for the next clinic near them at Michigan.gov/ RoadtoRestoration.
