The term drunk driving can also include impaired driving, which could be due to the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs or a controlled chemical substance which hinders a persons ability to drive or operate a motor vehicle properly. When a drug or the use of alcohol diminishes a persons ability to operate a motor vehicle, the offender can be charged for DUI. Different states use different abbreviations to refer to drunk driving, which are listed below:

DUI – Driving Under the Influence

This is the most common term used in most states to refer to drunk driving and is also the most common offense throughout the Nation. The other terms given below vary slightly based on the specific state where they occurred, and basically refer to the same crime of drunk driving.

DWI – Driving While Impaired or Driving While Intoxicated

A few states including Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and North Carolina use this term for drunk driving. It is the second most common term used after DUI and is used to define the drunk driving laws in these states.

OWI – Operating While Impaired

Only the states of Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin use this term to refer to drunk driving. The laws for an OWI are close to those of drunk driving in other States.

OVI – Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated

This term is only used in the state of Ohio and is used in the same context as that of drunk driving.

OMVI – Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated

This term is used interchangeably with OVI and hence is used in Ohio only.

OUI – Operating Under the Influence

The states of Maine and Rhode Island use this term to define the crime of drunk driving.

DWAI – Driving While Ability Impaired

This is a less severe crime as compared to DUI and hence has less severe punishments. However, in the states of Colorado and New York, a DWAI offense can have equally harmful and damaging effects as of a DUI.

DWUI – Driving While Under the Influence

This is also a unique acronym used only in the state of Wyoming, but the charges and penalties are the same as drunk driving in any other state.

DUII – Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants

This term is also only used in one state, which is the state of Oregon.

OVWI – Operating a Vessel While Intoxicated

The states of Indiana and New Jersey use this term to refer to cases of drunk driving.

BUI – Boating Under the Influence

Drunk driving laws also apply to other vehicles, such as a boat, aircraft or any other machinery. Any kind of water vessel, such as a boat, canoe or cruise ship, operated while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be dealt with and punished according to the local BUI statutes of that specific state or area.

DUBAL / UBAL -

Driving With an Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level / Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level

Each of these acronyms refer to the crime of drunk driving, DUI being the most common term used in most states, and DWI being the second most common term. So if you have been charged with any of these offenses, it is your duty to check with the applicable statutes as to the exact penalties and charges you may have to face. The best advice is to consult a qualified drunk driving defense lawyer in the area where you have been charged with to understand the consequences and facts of your specific case.

Since most states follow an implied consent law, it is imperative for all citizens to have some knowledge regarding the local drunk driving laws in their area. This will prevent you from being charged and convicted with a DUI offense, which can have life altering consequences. To know more about the DUI laws in your area, contact a local DUI lawyer or attorney or browse through www.MyDUIAttorney.org