Road to Restoration Clinics Return to the Upper Peninsula, Residents Can Reclaim Driving Privileges

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Lansing, MI - In a continued effort to assist residents in restoring their driving privileges, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is returning to the Upper Peninsula this week with three crucial Road to Restoration clinics. The clinics, scheduled to take place in Hancock, Kingsford, and Marquette, offer a beacon of hope for those whose licenses have been suspended due to unpaid fines, missed court dates, or other non-moving violations.

The Road to Restoration program, which has been a lifeline for over 9,000 people since its inception, aims to provide residents with the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of driver’s license restoration. This initiative is particularly vital in a region like the Upper Peninsula, where public transportation options are limited, and driving is often a necessity for daily life.

The Upper Peninsula Clinics: A Lifeline for Residents

The first of the three clinics will kick off in Hancock on August 13 at Michigan Works! Upper Peninsula, located at 400 Quincy St., 8th Floor. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to receive personalized guidance on the steps required to restore their licenses. Walk-ins will be accepted until 2 p.m., though pre-registration is strongly recommended due to limited space.

The second clinic will be held in Kingsford on August 14 at the Michigan Army National Guard, 401 South Carpenter Ave. This clinic will run on Central Time, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with walk-ins allowed until 2 p.m.

The final stop will be in Marquette on August 16 at Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center, Ballroom IV, 2nd Floor, located at 1401 Presque Isle Ave. This clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with walk-ins accepted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These clinics are more than just an opportunity to regain a license; they represent a chance for residents to regain their independence, access employment opportunities, and fulfill daily responsibilities that require reliable transportation.

The Road to Restoration Program: A Statewide Initiative

The Road to Restoration program was born out of changes to state law in 2021, which lifted suspensions for over 150,000 Michiganders who had lost their driving privileges due to unpaid fines or missed court appearances for non-moving violations. While the law provided immediate relief to many, thousands still need to take additional steps to restore their licenses fully.

This is where the Road to Restoration clinics come into play. By offering expert advice and support, these clinics have become an essential resource for those navigating the often-confusing process of license reinstatement. The program’s success is reflected in the more than 9,000 individuals it has already assisted across Michigan.

Cheri Hardmon, a spokesperson for MDOS, emphasized the importance of the program, particularly in rural areas like the Upper Peninsula. “For many residents, a driver’s license is not just a piece of plastic—it’s a key to opportunity. It’s about being able to work, take your kids to school, and participate fully in your community,” Hardmon said.

Challenges and Limitations

While the program offers significant benefits, there are some limitations. The clinics do not provide services related to DUI expungement, and reinstatement of a driver’s license is not guaranteed. Each case is unique, and participants may still need to meet certain legal or financial obligations before their driving privileges are restored.

Despite these challenges, the Road to Restoration program remains a crucial initiative for many Michigan residents. The clinics’ return to the Upper Peninsula underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that all Michiganders have the opportunity to reclaim their independence and mobility.

Looking Ahead

As the Road to Restoration program enters its third year, its impact continues to grow. With the support of community partners and the dedication of MDOS, the program is poised to help even more residents in the coming years.

For those interested in participating in the upcoming clinics, pre-registration is available at Michigan.gov/R2R. The process is straightforward, but spots are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

By empowering residents with the tools and knowledge needed to restore their driving privileges, the Road to Restoration program is helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Michigan.