Last Friday, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), Department of Attorney General, and community partners hosted a “Road to Restoration” clinic in Pontiac, helping Michiganders get back on the road after new state laws lifted driver’s license suspensions for tens of thousands of residents.
“As secretary of state, I am committed to finding new ways to make government work for more Michiganders and bring services to them directly,” Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Our Road to Restoration clinics have helped hundreds of people regain their driver’s licenses. We are grateful to our community partners and volunteers here in Pontiac for helping remove a significant barrier to employment, education, and basic necessities like groceries and health care.”
“Lack of transportation is one of the most pressing issues facing Pontiac residents today.” said Scott Stewart, Pontiac Community Foundation vice president of programs. “For this reason, we are proud to partner on today’s Road to Restoration clinic to continue on the path of ensuring our community has equal access to opportunities and resources and to eliminate as many systemic barriers to quality of life as possible.”
On Oct. 1, 2021, new state laws lifted license suspensions for drivers with unpaid tickets or court fines or who 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 people 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. The letters were also posted in the residents’ Department of State online accounts.
The “Road to Restoration” clinics, staffed by MDOS, the Department of Attorney General and volunteer attorneys, help Michiganders determine how they can restore their licenses and, when possible, provide the services they need to do so on site. These clinics are made possible by numerous partner organizations including DTE Energy, Miller Canfield Law Firm, Dykema, Bodman, and United Way, as well as location partners who provide the space for the clinics. The Pontiac clinic was hosted by the Pontiac Community Foundation at the Flagstar Strand Theatre.
Clinics have previously been conducted in Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Muskegon, and Ypsilanti. The next clinic is in Flint on June 21.
Residents and community organizations can find more information at Michigan.gov/SOSCleanSlate.
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