New Legislation Would Give Judges More Leeway To Restore Driving Privileges

LANSING (AP) — Legislation nearing Gov. Rick Snyder's desk would give people who have lost their driving privileges more of an opportunity to persuade a judge to restore their license under certain conditions.

The bill approved unanimously this week in the Senate would expand a circuit judge's authority to set aside the secretary of state's determination regarding a revoked, suspended or restricted driver's license.

The measure is intended to help people remain employed or land a job when their license is taken away in cases such as drunken driving. They could become eligible for restricted driving privileges but only if they install an ignition interlock device in their car.

The bill won also unanimous approval from the House in March and should be sent to the governor soon.