About STOP-DWI

• STOP-DWI stands for “Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Impaired”.
• The STOP-DWI Program was created by the State Legislature in 1981.
• Empowers counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug related traffic crashes.
• The Program functions as a financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program.
• STOP-DWI efforts are funded entirely from fines paid by convicted drunken drivers, no tax dollars are used.

New York State is recognized nationally as a leader in traffic safety and in particular for continual progress in reducing alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.

New York’s STOP-DWI program is the Nations’ first and, to date, only self-sustaining impaired driving program. Other States have implemented components of self-sufficiency, but none to the degree of New York State.

STOP-DWI New York has followed the “General Deterrence Model” in developing the legislation and programs that are a statewide success.  The General Deterrence Model is best described as a method to get people not to do something.  The necessary prongs include:

• Prevention and Education (don’t drink and drive)
• Incapacitation (keep drinkers from driving)
• Reform (treat individuals to prevent future offenses)
• Deterrence (change behavior through fear or consequences)

Find your county’s local STOP-DWI Coordinator.