The State Court Administrative Office announced on March 9 that it has awarded $1 million in grants to 12 district courts across Michigan to launch Operation Drive programs aimed at helping individuals regain their driving privileges.
The initiative is designed to assist defendants in resolving outstanding legal and financial obligations, enabling them to legally drive again. The program is intended to improve access to transportation for work and family needs while also promoting road safety.
Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh of the Michigan Supreme Court said, “We are grateful to the state legislature for enabling our courts to assist individuals who need cars to get to work, earn a paycheck, and support their families. This program will not only help improve their quality of life, but through a collaborative approach, Operation Drive will also help keep our roads safer. In the Auto State, more safe drivers and employed workers is a win for Michigan.”
Participating courts are required to follow the Operation Drive Program Guide when establishing their programs. This involves collaboration among judges, magistrates, city attorneys, county prosecutors, local law enforcement agencies, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, and both retained and appointed defense counsel. These stakeholders form an Operation Drive Team dedicated to supporting the program’s goals of fostering safe and valid drivers.
Operation Drive is modeled after a similar effort started in 2016 by Judge Derek W. Meinecke of the 44th District Court in Royal Oak. Judge Meinecke said in 2019 that “Ensuring that punishments are right-sized and appropriate is the next frontier for trial courts,” referring specifically to addressing driver’s license suspensions as punishment and their broader impact on Michigan’s criminal justice system.
The grant program also builds on recommendations from the Jail Reform Task Force that were enacted into law in 2020. These reforms have contributed to reducing jail populations by reclassifying certain driving-related offenses.
Media representatives seeking information about specific grant amounts are encouraged to contact local courts.
