What's the difference between a DUI and a DWI?

the_mr911

They are both the exact same thing. It's just that some states use the opposite acronym. There is no difference.

CountyMounty

Well many use these terms interchancably and for the most part when one says DUI or DWI they are talking about the same exact thing.

Technically though there could be a difference. DUI can mean driving under the influence of anything (alcohol or drugs) whereas DWI means intoxicated (alcohol)

Here we use neither term, we use OUI (Operating Under the Influence), and it covers alcohol and drugs.

NONAME

At .08, you're legally intoxicated (DWI), but your ability to drive can be impaired without you reaching the prohibited BAC (DUI).

Bill Folder

DUI
(Driving under influence) can be charged for driving well high on weed or some other inhibiting drug. Or they will sometimes lessen your charge if your close to legal limit when you blow from DWI to DUI
DWI
(Driving while intoxicated) is pretty bad you have to be good and drunk to get one after 3 its usually jail ,good times,
They are defiantly not the same thing for sure. now where's my beer

goodwrh

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving While Impaired (DWI)
Same thing different wording, the Driving while impaired was introduced to include drug impairment, other states kept the DUI but included drug impairment in the law.

j.j. walker

DUI is driving under the influence of "drugs or alcohol" DWI Driving While Intoxicated is when it is obvious that your driving ability is being imparred but b an undeterminined substance maybe perscription medication or over the counter sleep medication.

l8_nyte

For those who told you it's the same thing, they should hope they never get pulled over for one of these and not know the difference.

For those that told you it varies from state to state, they are in better shape.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is when you are tested with alcohol in your system and you are impaied, whether or not you have gone over the states MBAC (Maximum Blood Alcohol Content)

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is when you test at or above the states MBAC.

DUI generally carries a slightly lower fine, but is still not a good thing...

Steven C

They are the same thing just different states use different terms, same offense

One Wing

Driving Under the Influence,or Driving While Intoxicated.Same thing, just a word game. What will get you in trouble is getting caught driving while you are suspended. Then they will slam you. Laws for both are sate by state, not federal.

Baby Poots

Each state has its legal definition for DUI and DWI. DUI usually refers to Driving Under the Influence (influence of what is determined by each state). A citation for DWI denotes Driving While Intoxicated (again, intoxicated by what is open to interpretation by each state). The arresting official/officer may determine either DUI or DWI. States do not agree on the definition of DUI or DWI. Those who are cited for either need to seek the services of a lawyer unless they are prepared to plead guilty to either offense. One charge will "get you in trouble" no more than the other. The key word is "lawyer"! Legal representation is paramount in defending a DUI or DWI charge. Most attorneys are like automobile salesmen. They will accept a down payment, and you sign a contract to make weekly or monthly payments until their fees are paid.

Legal representation is the only avenue for anyone wanting to "get out" of a DUI and DWI. Can't afford a lawyer? Just plead guilty, pay your fine, and don't get caught again!

steldog1

Either way, you're in big trouble.

cruiser007

A lot of the posters have hit the nail on the head. There is no difference... some states even refer to the crime as OVI... operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

pennstategradheather

They are the same thing but different states title them differently. The penalties may vary from state to state but overall they are the same violation.

Dakota Lynn Takes Gun

There is no difference. One is Driving While Intoxicated and the other is Driving Under The Influence. It just depends on the state you live in. Ours is DUI here.

Mary B

Just two different names for the same thing. Some states have it in their books one way, some have it the other way.

jchernofsky

I believe that is just the specific term that the specific state or country uses that the offence was committed in

Princess

Intoxicated has 2 meanings
* Stupefied or excited by a chemical substance ( like alcohol)
* As if under the influence of alcohol
DUI and DWI is one and the same thing it is just used differently.
Hope i answered your question!
Take care!

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