N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 523-a: Driver improvement clinic programs

§ 523-a. Driver improvement clinic programs. In addition to the driver

rehabilitation program authorized by section eleven hundred ninety-six

of this chapter, the commissioner may establish, by regulation,

guidelines for alcohol and highway safety programs. The purpose of such

programs should be to inform participants of the effects of alcohol on

driving, to discuss problem drinking and its effects, to provide

assistance to individuals with referral to alcoholism treatment agencies

and to provide instruction with respect to proper driving techniques and

driver attitude. The commissioner shall establish criteria for requiring

attendance at such clinics, and may, pending attendance at such clinic,

suspend the driver's license or privilege of any person who fails to

attend such clinic as required by such regulations. Such criteria may

provide for the required attendance at such clinic of any person who, as

a result of the conviction for a moving traffic violation, is referred

by the trial court for such attendance. The commissioner shall establish

a fee to be paid by any person who attends any such program. Such fee

shall be used to defray the ongoing expenses of the program. Where the

commissioner has approved any driver improvement program conducted by

local authorities, any such fee shall be paid to the agency conducting

such program.