Over 270 participants receive expert advice on restoring their driver’s license at Dearborn Heights Road to Restoration clinic

LANSING, Mich. - On Aug. 28, over 270 Detroit-area residents attended a Road to Restoration clinic in Dearborn Heights and met with expert volunteer attorneys to learn the steps they can take to restore their driving privileges. The Road to Restoration program, now in its third year, has provided expert guidance to over 9,000 people across the state.

"This experience was great - they told me exactly what I needed to do to reinstate my license and what I have to pay to get it done," said Detroit resident Aubrey White, who attended Wednesday's clinic. "The process is a little bit drawn out. You have to go from place to place, you have to go to the Secretary of State, run to that courthouse and that courthouse. What this program does for you is that they put them all right here in the same building, you just move to one seat to the next and everyone is so helpful and willing to help you get your license. They break down the fees, what you need to pay before you go reinstate your license. And that was amazing. Amazing job by the State of Michigan. Your license is not only a privilege, but it helps folks get jobs. Certain jobs you can't get without a license, so this is something that helps people get back on the right track and it is a blessing."

"I haven't had a license in eight years," said Mark Thomas, Detroit resident who attended the clinic. I've had tickets and I came down here to talk to the people, they looked it up, took care of me and I got my license today. I am very happy. I am a mechanic. You can't do mechanic work without a license, so I had to stick with other jobs that did not pay as much. You need your license. Anyone who doesn't have a license, these people can help you."

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 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 Dearborn Heights 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, Michigan WORKS! Association, Miller Canfield, and Hype Athletics.

More than 10 Road to Restoration clinics have been held in Michigan so far this year. The final clinic of 2024 will be held in Kalamazoo on Friday, Sept. 13.

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.

# # #