LANSING, Mich. – More than 315 Michiganders attended Road to Restoration clinics in Lansing on March 11 and in Benton Harbor on March 14 hosted by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and partners. Local residents who attended the clinics learned the necessary steps to reinstate their driving privileges.  

The Road to Restoration program, now in its fourth year, has provided expert guidance to nearly 10,000 people across the state. Volunteer attorneys and MDOS staff met one-on-one with attendees to check their current license status, answer questions on how they can safely return behind the wheel and provide services like vision testing and the written driver’s exam on site. Participants also learned about the administrative hearings process at information sessions held at the clinics.   

“Our Road to Restoration clinics continue to help people all across the state find their path back to safe driving,” said Abigayl Venman, director of the Road to Restoration program. “We are grateful to our state and local partners for working with us to meet Michiganders where they are and make their lives better.” 

Lansing

The Lansing clinic served a total of 247 area residents. This was the second Lansing clinic hosted by Union Missionary Baptist Church and several local partners, including the 54B District Court and the City of Lansing’s Office of Financial Empowerment. 

“We want to get people back on the road,” said Nicole Evans, court administrator for the 54B District Court in East Lansing. “It's not just about having that piece of plastic, but that piece of plastic is keeping people from being able to fully live out their lives.  We talk about the educational opportunities, the employment opportunity, your housing, where can you get a good job? Because your transportation or your method of transportation restricts how far out you can go.​" 

“We've been working with the Secretary of ​State for several years now because we had gotten a grant to help people get their license reinstated,” said Amber Paxton with the City of Lansing’s Office of Financial Empowerment. “We help people out when they have fines and fees that are contributing to them not being able to get their license that aren't because of poor driving. They're simply because of difficult financial circumstances. The last thing that we want is people unemployed because they're unable to get their driver's license.” 

“I'm just super blessed right now,” said Autica Allen, who obtained her license for the very first time at the Lansing clinic. “Over the years, especially when you start having kids so young, you kind of forget about yourself and the things that you need done for you. I was glad I was able to walk in here and obtain my license for the very first time. I am so blessed and so happy right now. I can't even stop smiling and my heart is just beating, but very, very blessed and I appreciate you guys for your service.” 

“The Road to Restoration is a great program because in some ways, it mirrors the church,” said Pastor Rev. Kenny Craig of the Union Missionary Baptist Church. “It's a second chance, a new opportunity. And by hosting it here, it I think it's a great way to partner with the state to help people get that second chance.” 

Benton Harbor

The clinic in Benton Harbor served a total of 71 attendees on March 14. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren hosted the clinic, and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Office of Community Corrections was on site to sponsor some fees for eligible residents. 

“Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is laser focused on connecting individuals of all ages to education and training to meet the needs of employers,” said Paul Kirk, Vice President of Workforce at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “One of the number one challenges that we see standing in the way of employment is having a valid driver’s license, so we were happy to host the Michigan Department of State. Sometimes a simple one-on-one conversation can solve a lot. The Road to Restoration clinic allowed local individuals to sit down, ask questions, review their driving records, and make steps towards their goals.” 

“Breaking down barriers to long term self-sustaining success is critical to our mission within the OS Administration. When the Office of Community Corrections became aware of the Road to Restoration clinic, it was quickly recognized as a great opportunity to partner with MDOS and assist our clients on circuit court probation with license restoration,” said Douglas J. Clark, Manager of the Office of Community Corrections, OS Administration. “The impact of Road to Restoration clinics is huge, especially as it relates to our justice-involved clients. Walking alongside residents, including those on probation, while they work through the steps to restore their license, goes a long way. Not only does this program provide a variety of free services, it also works to break down barriers to re-entry and encourage long-term success.” 

Public-private partnership

The Road to Restoration program is a public-private partnership created after state laws that took effect in 2021 lifted license suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets and court fines or who failed to appear in court for certain non-moving violations. MDOS canceled infractions on the driving records of more than 350,000 Michiganders under the law, but many people still need to take additional steps before their driving privilege can be restored. The clinics are free of charge, but some participants may be required to pay past fines.

The next Road to Restoration clinic will be on April 9 in Royal Oak. Additional clinics are scheduled for Gaylord, Petoskey, Traverse City, Saginaw next month and more communities throughout the state. For more information about the program, to find a clinic near you, and to sign up for an upcoming clinic, visit Michigan.gov/R2R or dial 2-1-1.

The clinics do not provide DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.