Over 8,000 Michiganders have had support with getting their driving licenses restored thanks to the Road to Restoration (R2R), a public-private partnership hosting in-person clinics across the state, which guide attendees through the restoration process.
Learn more and register for upcoming clinics at MDOS’ Road to Restoration website or phone the United Way’s 211 line.
The R2R program, launched in 2021 by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and the Michigan Department of Attorney General, was built together with founding members the Detroit Justice Center, DTE Energy and Miller Canfield, in collaboration with the Michigan Association of United Ways, and 2-1-1 Michigan.
New laws in 2021 canceled qualifying infractions and lifted suspensions from the driving records for over 150,000 Michiganders. Others, however, have a more complex path, with infractions not impacted by the change in the law still on their record.
To best serve this group, the R2R partners rallied resources from their respective spheres – business, government, legal, and non-profit – and created in-person license restoration clinics to directly support those without the means or knowledge to restore their driving privileges alone.
“I believe in making government work for the people, and that is why we’ve worked diligently to ensure not only that these new laws are implemented thoroughly, but that those who are impacted understand the effects on their driving records,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “We’re proud to help host clinics like these that allow us to work directly with drivers, so they understand their path to getting back on the road.”
We brought together nonprofit and faith-based organizations to host clinics at sites seen as “safe spaces” by the communities we aim to support. At the clinics, participants meet with expert Secretary of State staff and volunteer attorneys to review their driving record and understand the path to reinstating their driver’s license.
Over 120 attorneys from corporate legal departments and private law firms across Michigan are lending their expertise at Road to Restoration clinics. DTE’s Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer JoAnn Chavez has volunteered at several R2R clinics.
“Having a license makes it so much easier for people to find high-paying jobs and pursue a career,” said Chavez. “I’m honored to help people get back on track.”
The license restoration clinics reflect an intentionally designed, one-stop-shop approach to support Michiganders in restoring their driving privileges and, at the same time, connect participants to teams from the Michigan Association of United Ways, Michigan Works! and other organizations to explore additional resources available to them.
“A suspended license impacts a person’s ability to lead their best life, much in the same way a criminal record impacts those who have long-since paid their debt to society,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am proud to see months of hard work advocating for this criminal justice reform culminate with these Road to Restoration clinics for eligible Michiganders. My office will continue to support these efforts and I look forward to participating in additional restoration opportunities down the road.”
DTE identified licensing issues as a barrier to employment more than three years ago as we implemented our Parnall Correctional Facility Tree Trimming training program at the prison’s Vocational Village. At that time, we presented our findings to the Michigan Department of State and since then, have grown our partnership and support around this issue.
“We saw a pattern of people being held back by having suspended driver’s licenses,” said Terrell Lockhart, DTE Tree Trimming training manager. “Working directly with the MDOS and AG’s teams to remove this barrier to employment with the clinics is equity and inclusion in action.”
Learn more at our Road to Restoration website, view our 2024 schedule, and register for an upcoming clinic.
Hear from our partners, clinic hosts, and attendees in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ypsilanti, and the Upper Peninsula.
Click here for what our R2R clinics offer. These events are not expungement clinics.