Community service option

Johnson promotes alternative way to settle Driver Responsibility Fees

About 168,000 people could perform community service instead of paying hundreds of dollars for some Driver Responsibility Fees, a move that benefits both drivers and the agencies that serve Michigan communities around the state, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 21.

“Traffic ticket fees, court costs and higher insurance premiums are difficult enough,” Johnson added. “With this new program, motorists can meet their legal obligations while minimizing any added financial burden to their families and while also helping people in their community.”

Johnson voted against the fees as a state representative and has supported eliminating them, calling them a burden. The new program gives motorists an opportunity to eliminate their Driver Responsibility Fees by completing 10 hours of volunteer work for each qualifying assessment on their driving record.

The Michigan Department of Treasury mailed a letter with additional information to those who are eligible; more details are also available at michigan.gov/driverresponsibility.

The Driver Responsibility Fees that can be erased by community service are for No Proof of Insurance, No Insurance, Driving Without Proper License/Endorsement/Vehicle Group Designator, Driving While License Expired, and Driving While Unlicensed or License Not Valid.

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New Secretary of State office locator launched to better serve customers

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today announced her most recent effort to better serve customers with a newly upgraded Branch Office Locator that now features the latest online mapping technology.

"My goal as your secretary of state is to provide the best customer service using the latest technology," Johnson said. "Our new Branch Office Locator uses modern online mapping technology to allow you to more easily find an office near you. While our most popular services can be done through the mail or online at ExpressSOS.com, the new locator is ready to serve you if you do need to visit an office."

The new Branch Office Locator now features cutting-edge web-based mapping so it can provide personalized directions to an office from a customer’s location and it’s now optimized for mobile devices.

ID cards for kids

The Secretary of State offers standard state identification cards for children as young as infants for $10.

The ID is available for any child or infant at the parent's or legal guardian's request. Applicants must provide proper documentation and have the child's photograph taken at any Secretary of State office.

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Auto Show recap

The SOS Mobile Office had a successful 10-day stay at the North American International Auto Show from Jan. 16-25.

Staff performed more than 760 transactions and talked with thousands of Auto Show goers in promoting department programs and services.

Upcoming Mobile Office stops

The SOS Mobile Office will be at events across the state over the next month, providing a full range of services to customers:

-- Michigan International Auto Show, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.,  Feb. 5-6; 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Feb. 7; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Feb. 8, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids

-- Detroit Boat Show, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Feb. 14; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Feb. 15-16; 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Feb. 17-20; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Feb. 21; and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Feb. 22, Cobo Center, Detroit

-- SOS-101: Driver's License Restoration Seminar hosted by Davis-Dunnings Bar Association,  2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Feb. 28, Capital Area District Library, 401 S. Capital Ave., Lansing