Driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVWI) can be used interchangeably in many states. 

In some states, however, DUI, DWI and OMVWI represent slightly different offenses: 

• driving drunk, driving under the influence of drugs
• operating any vehicle under the influence 
• or a driver may be charged with a serious offense that puts theirs or someone else’s health and safety at risk. 

Driving under the influence can apply to any drug that may impair your abilities including alcohol, recreational drugs, street drugs and prescription drugs.

There are multiple phrases used to describe the illegal act of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• DUI – driving under the influence
• DWI – driving while impaired/intoxicated
• OMWI or OMVWI – operating a motor vehicle while impaired/intoxicated

What is a DUI?

DUI or Driving Under the Influence is an offense that occurs when someone drives with alcohol in their bloodstream. The federal legal blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit is .8% according to the DOT, but some states charge for BAC levels of 0.1%. A DUI can be charged based on erratic driving, suspected alcohol influence, or a field sobriety test. An officer doesn’t need to check BAC using a breathalyzer.

What is a DWI?

DWI or Driving While Impaired or in some states Driving While Intoxicated generally refers to impaired driving due to drugs – either prescription or recreational. In this case, it is a separate charge from a DUI. In a state where DUI and DWI are separated, a DWI charge is often considered more severe.

Each of these charges can have legal and financial consequences for the driver depending on the state. 

The bottom line:

Drinking and driving is never worth the risk or the consequences associated. If you plan on drinking, make sure you set your intentions responsibly and plan a safe way home that doesn’t involve you or anyone else getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Remember that it’s never a good idea to drink and drive.

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Resources | NHTSA