What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI?

Question

I know that they stand for Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Influenced. I was wondering what the difference was. Why would one get a DWI or a DUI? Are both alcohol related or is one drug related?

Answer 1

There is no real difference between a DUI and a DWI. Both mean driving while intoxicated. It just depends on the state. Some states give DUI's such as PA. Other states give DWI, like NC. It doesn't really mean anything about how drunk you are that limilt also varies from state to state. Most are between .08 and .1 When I lived in PA the limit was .1 but ocassional there would be pushes to get the limit lowered to .08, but it would still be called DUI.

Answer 2

DUI is a three letter acronym (or initialism) that may stand for:

Driving under the influence (of alcohol or drugs)

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DWI is an acronym which means:

Driving while intoxicated

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Most arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) result in a conviction. A conviction for a DWI is a misdemeanor and will result in a criminal record as well as an enormous increase in automobile insurance. If arrested, you are strongly encouraged to seek the advice and representation of an attorney. To be convicted, the prosecutor must prove the following things to the judge: (A jury does not become involved unless there is an appeal.)

You were driving.
You were driving a vehicle as defined in the statutes.
You were driving on a highway or public vehicular area.
The officer had a reason (probable cause) to stop the motor vehicle you were driving.
There is evidence that you were appreciably impaired either by alcohol or drugs at the
time of the arrest.


Actually the difference between DWI and DUI is also different between different states, and different between the state and the federal goverment. For some states (examples, Virginia and New Jersey) there is no difference between the two terms - they both mean drunk driving. In Minnesota on the other hand, there is technically no such thing as DUI (they use the term DWI - driving while impaired - instead). The distinction for the federal government is drawn based on severity. A DWI is issued when the blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the 0.08 limit, whereas a DUI is a less severe term, given when a persons BAC is under 0.08.

Answer 3

The level of alcohol in your blood- this level varies from state to state. A lower level would be a DUI (driving under the influence) while "over the limit" would be a DWI (driving while intoxicated).

Answer 4

for years we called it DWI when a person was arrested for driving while intoxicated, however with the use of so many mind altering drugs which make you unable to drive and make decisions it is called Driving Under the Influence which can include lots of things alchohol,drugs etc. All are serious , driving under the influence means you arent able to properly drive and dont have the ability to make decisions. I think usually it is a misdemeanor charge in most states but it does go on your record and insurance .if you are going to drink or do drugs dont drive you will probably kill someone other than yourself who had the misfortune of being on the road with you. I am not a law enforcement officer but you can go online and ask for the driving rules for your state by going to your state department of motor vehicles or ask the police dept. another good rescource for lots of things is your library ,usually they have a number you can call and they will look up information for you

Answer 5

DUI simply means that you were driving under the influence of something... Usually alcohol but not limited to it...

A DWI is where you were Driving while Impared of som sort...

Answer 6

DUI means Driving under the influence which means you have been drinking.
DWI means Driving while intoxicated which means you have been drinking and you are drunk. The difference is how long you will loose your lisence and how big your citation will be.

Answer 7

Driving Under the Influence
Driving While Influenced

Answer 8

Both are the same in terms of law enforcement. One is driving under the influence. The other is driving while intoxicated. Alcohol or not, driving under the influence of anything will get you in trouble for sure.

Answer 9

DUI MEANS DRIN=VING UNDER THE INFLUENCE BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT DWI MEANS

SORRY

Answer 10

dwi is drug related. Dui is drinking.