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Dutchess County STOP-DWI stands for Special Traffic Options Program for Driving while Intoxicated it is located in Poughkeepsie, NY.

The STOP-DWI Program was enacted by the State Legislature in 1981 for the purposes of empowering county governments to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes within the context of a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program. The Dutchess County STOP-DWI Program�s mission is to deter alcohol/drug impaired driving through enhanced enforcement, prosecution, rehabilitation, and education services. 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 offenses occurring in its jurisdiction. The STOP-DWI Program is funded by this fine revenue, not by tax dollars. In order to receive the fine money, a county must have a state-approved comprehensive STOP-DWI plan in place. All 62 counties in New York State 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 New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is charged with the task of approving the county plans. The Dutchess County STOP-DWI Program remains under the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, and continues to be a comprehensive, effective program and a viable community resource.