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What is STOP-DWI?
STOP-DWI stands for "Special
Traffic Options Program for
Driving While Intoxicated". The
STOP-DWI program was enacted by
the State Legislature in 1981
for the purpose of empowering
the coordinating local efforts
to reduce alcohol and other
drug-related traffic crashes
within the context of a
comprehensive and financially
self-sustaining statewide
alcohol and highway safety
program.
The STOP-DWI legislation permits
each of the state’s counties to
establish a county STOP-DWI
Program which qualifies the
county for the return of all
fines collected for alcohol and
other drug-related traffic
offences occurring in its
jurisdiction.
All 62 counties have opted to
participate. Each county
appoints a STOP-DWI Coordinator,
whose duties include the
development of a program and the
coordination of efforts by
agencies involved in alcohol and
highway safety.
Although the development and
implementation of STOP-DWI
programs rests with the
counties, the Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles is charged with
the task of approving the county
plans.
As the STOP-DWI Program is a
self-sustaining program, it is
important to remember that no
county or state tax dollars fund
any portion of this highly
successful program. In short,
from the paper we write on,
programs we take into our county
schools, wages, to the STOP-DWI
vehicle, all were purchased with
the fine money collected from
those individuals arrested and
found guilty of driving while
intoxicated.
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