270 West Michigan residents receive expert driver’s license restoration advice at last major Road to Restoration Clinic of the year

Some mini clinics still on the schedule for 2024

LANSING, Mich. - On Friday, Sept. 13, over 270 West Michigan residents attended a Road to Restoration clinic in Kalamazoo and met with expert volunteer attorneys to learn the steps they can take to restore their driving privileges. This was the last major clinic scheduled for the year.

"I am proud and grateful to be wrapping up another successful season of our Road to Restoration clinics," Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. "Thanks to our community partners and hardworking staff at the Department of State, the Road to Restoration program has hosted over 10 major clinics across both peninsulas this year - and the work does not stop. Driving is an essential part of everyday life in Michigan, and we will continue to guide people on the right track toward getting their license restored."

"It was a great experience. Everyone was very helpful, very polite. I have been without a license since 2021. I missed a court date from insurance. I couldn't show proof of insurance when I got pulled over in 2020 or 2021. My license has been suspended ever since. I am happy to finally have it back," said Marc Pulphus, a Kalamazoo resident who attended the clinic. "I appreciate you guys. Without you guys, it probably would've taken a lot longer without getting it taken care of."

"I didn't really put it in the front of my mind to pay my fees because I didn't have a car anymore, so I haven't been able to work and that was a hindrance," said Serenity Rostick of Portage. "I am looking forward to driving again. Getting a new car and I get to drive. I miss it. Come get your license because they got you. You just have to take care of your business and make sure you can drive like you are supposed to. Do the right thing."

Volunteer attorneys and MDOS staff met one-on-one with clinic 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.

The Road to Restoration program, now concluding its third year, has provided expert guidance to over 9,000 people across the state. Although today was the last major clinic of the year, some mini clinics are still scheduled to continue to support residents on their Road to Restoration journey. Friday's clinic comes on the tails of a successful mini clinic hosted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58 and Local 17 in Detroit on Wednesday. Find more information about the mini clinics online.

"The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 has been at the forefront of providing both our members and our surrounding communities access to opportunities and resources to better their lives," said Kimberly L'Heureux Denison, president, IBEW Local 58. "We regularly share our union hall with community partners and organizations to host events connecting people with information and solutions. At the same time, we're proud for folks to experience Michigan's clean energy future brought to life in our state-of-the art facility."

"The Road to Restoration clinic hosted by our Local 58 brothers and sisters illustrates the kind of impact that's possible when people work together," said Jaime Shaw, business manager, IBEW Local 17. "Local 17 came to learn about this issue while launching two tree trimming training programs with DTE Energy. "So, for us, this week's Road to Restoration clinic is not only a full circle moment, but also shows how we can all be a part of moving Michigan forward in partnerships like this."

Upcoming mini clinics scheduled for 2024 include:

• Oct. 3 - Royal Oak
• Oct. 4 - Farmington Hills
• Oct. 8 - Stanton

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 Kalamazoo clinic was operated in partnership with Michigan 2-1-1, Michigan Department of Attorney General, Detroit Justice Center, DTE Energy, Michigan Association of United Ways, the United Way of South Central Michigan, Michigan WORKS! Association, and Miller Canfield.

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. Space for clinics may be limited and preregistration is strongly recommended. The clinics do not provide DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.

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