Drunk Driving Terminology

[elmuchoprez]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I have a terminology question:

The general idea of "drunk driving" seems to be referred to under several different acronyms. Off the top of my head, I can think of "DUI" (driving under the influence), "OWI" (operating while impaired), "DWI" (driving while impaired), "OUI" (operating under the influence)... and there are more.

Does the legal definition of these offenses differ by state or is there a standard meaning across the board?

 

[CdwJava]

Does the legal definition of these offenses differ by state or is there a standard meaning across the board?

It differs by state. There are also various levels of drunk driving in some states and these terms may be used to reflect one offense as opposed to another.

- Carl

 

[racer72]

My state uses two, DUI, which is .08 or above and DWI, .07 and below. It's the DWI that gets a lot of folks in trouble here, many assume if you blow under .08 the police cannot do nothing to you. You still end up with a hefty fine but some of the other punishments are less severe.

 

[CdwJava]

My state uses two, DUI, which is .08 or above and DWI, .07 and below. It's the DWI that gets a lot of folks in trouble here, many assume if you blow under .08 the police cannot do nothing to you. You still end up with a hefty fine but some of the other punishments are less severe.

We have them all as "DUI", with the addition of a so-called "wet reckless" as a lesser offense that is most often offered as a plea.

- Carl