A new traffic court in Suffolk aims to helping recovering addicts get back on the road to recovery by getting them behind the wheel.

The Drug, Alcohol and Reintegration, or DAR, Court is designed to help people battling drug addiction or mental health issues retain for regain a driver's license they lost to traffic tickets that went unpaid for years.

Clifford Baker, of Wheatley Heights, says it's almost impossible to get life back on track without a license.

County officials emphasize DAR Court is not for drivers facing DWI charges. And they say drivers who are accepted into the program for traffic violations will have to undergo a rigorous process to regain their driver's license.

Judge Patricia Filiberto will require defendants to submit proof of recovery and treatment. Filiberto could ultimately accept plea deals following several court appearances that include reducing charges or fines, which could lead to reinstatement of driving privileges.

DAR Court is held on the first Friday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Suffolk Traffic Parking and Violations Agency in Hauppauge.