New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law - VAT § 398-g. Powers of the commissioner

1. In addition to the powers and duties specified elsewhere in this article, the commissioner, upon any complaint or upon his own initiative, shall have the power to make and conduct such investigations as he deems proper to effectuate the purposes of this article.  The commissioner may establish, by rule or regulation, criteria upon which the necessity for investigation of complaints shall be determined.  Such criteria may include but not be limited to the alleged financial loss to the complainant, the indication of a recurring incidence of fraud or deceptive practices, or the essential nature of the service provided to the safe operation of the vehicle.  The commissioner shall also have the power to assist in the settlement of disputes between complainants and registrants.  In any such case in which a settlement is reached, a report of the facts, shall be included in the registrant's record.  The provisions of section three hundred ninety-eight-f relating to the required attendance of registrants and the power to subpoena shall apply to any investigation conducted pursuant to this section.

2. The commissioner shall prescribe such rules and regulations as he shall deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article including but not limited to, standards for personnel, equipment and facilities.