Lindsay Lohan -- Daddy Benz Over Backwards

Lindsay Lohan's dad went above and beyond to celebrate his daughter's new driving privileges -- in fact, TMZ has learned, Michael Lohan gave her his own Mercedes Benz to drive around in.

As we first reported, the L.A. County Probation Department and officials at the Betty Ford clinic restored Lindsay's driving privileges Monday morning -- and to make it clear he trusts her, we're told MiLo donated his own set of expensive wheels to the cause.

According to sources, Michael dropped the convertible off Monday night at Lindsay's sober living facility -- and Lindsay is free to drive it as she pleases.

Guess that means she'll be picking up the groceries for Thanksgiving.

Credit: TMZ

Nicole Richie DUI Probation Terminated Early

Nicole Richie's probation was terminated this morning -- months before it was scheduled to end ... TMZ has learned.

Nicole was on probation for a DUI in 2006, where she was driving the wrong way on an L.A. freeway.

Nicole's lawyer, the effervescent Shawn Chapman Holley, went to court this AM -- in the rain no less -- and presented the judge with proof Nicole had completed all the terms of probation, including a glowing report from the alcohol ed program in which she's been enrolled for the last 18 months.

Probation was scheduled to end in February, but since all the terms have been satisfied, the judge agreed to terminate it early.

So Mrs. Madden starts the New Year as a married but free woman.

Credit: TMZ

Lindsay Faces Possible Probation Violation

The Riverside County District Attorney believes Lindsay Lohan violated her probation in the altercation with a staffer at the Betty Ford Center ... and if the Beverly Hills judge handling her case agrees ... Lindsay could go to jail.

As TMZ reported, Dawn Holland, a staffer at Betty Ford, claims Lindsay assaulted and injured her last month after allegedly violating her curfew.

Holland -- who has since been fired by Betty Ford -- notified authorities by a letter obtained by TMZ that she had no interest in pursuing a criminal case. But the Riverside PD now says the case will be submitted to the District Attorney anyway because police believe Lindsay committed a battery and therefore violated her probation.

One of the terms of probation is that Lindsay must obey all laws.

The Riverside PD is forwarding its file on the case to the L.A. County Probation Office.

Credit: TMZ

Probation Dept: Key Player in Lindsay's Freedom

Good news for Lindsay Lohan ... TMZ has learned the L.A. County Probation Department won't go after her for the alleged battery at the Betty Ford Center ... unless she's convicted.

Sources connected to the case tell us the Probation Department will not recommend to Judge Elden Fox that he violate her probation for the alleged assault when Lindsay appears on January 3. We're told the Department will only recommend action if Lindsay is convicted of criminal battery.

But it gets more complicated on the subject of alcohol. Under the terms of Lindsay's probation, she's required to comply with drug testing, including tests administered at Betty Ford. By refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test a week ago Sunday morning, Lindsay arguably violated this term of her probation.

We're told the Probation Department has not made a recommendation to the judge on violating her probation based on the breathalyzer test -- at least not so far.

Ultimately, it's up to Judge Fox. Worst case scenario for Lindsay ... back in the pokey for 6 months.

Credit: TMZ