What’s the difference between DUI and DWI? Alcohol-related driving offences explained

AMERICANS are expected to be sober and alert when driving motor vehicles.

When they are not, they can often be arrested for a DUI or a DWI, depending on what substance authorities find in their systems.

What is a DUI?

DUI stands for "driving under the influence," this offense typically means that a driver is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In order to be charged with a DUI, operators must have a substantial amount in their systems, causing them to be incapable of driving safely.

The federal limit to legally drive in the United States is 0.08 percent, but could vary by location as different states have different limits.

This offense may also be called OUI (operating under the influence).

A DUI charge is initiated when a police officer stops a driver under the suspicion of intoxication and proceeds with an arrest.

In such cases, the impairment of the driver could be due to alcohol or drugs, including legally prescribed medications or over-the-counter remedies.

It's crucial to understand that even legally obtained drugs can result in a DUI charge if they impair the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

What is a DWI?

DWI stands for "driving while intoxicated," which means that someone is driving while intoxicated or impaired.

While some states classify both DWI's and DUI's as the same, when you are charged with a DWI it typically means that you are impaired because of prescribed or recreational drugs.

What's the difference?

One of the biggest differences between a DWI and a DUI is severity.

DWI's typically signals higher levels of intoxication and come with harsher penalties.

Many first time offenders are often seen getting their DWI's downgraded to a DUI, however, both come with administrative and criminal charges that could result in the loss of driving privileges and even prison time.

Punishments vary state by state and also depend on other circumstances including BAC levels, the number of offenses, the status of a driver's license or if anyone was hurt or killed.

Some states use different terminology entirely to charge an individual who has operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the driving laws in your state to make sure you always adhere to the legal limits for alcohol and drugs while driving.

What are some of the common punishments for a DUI or DWI offense?

While punishments vary by state, there are common ones that occurs during these offenses.

Those punishments include:

• A monetary fine
• Community service
• Increased insurance cost
• Jail time
• Loss or suspension of license

Some states even require those who have been convicted to install an ignition interlock device (IID) which prevents user from operating a car until they administer a breath alcohol test.