{"id":1032,"date":"2023-06-05T16:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T16:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/?p=1032"},"modified":"2023-08-08T14:49:49","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T14:49:49","slug":"difference-between-dui-and-dwi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/sr-22-tips\/difference-between-dui-and-dwi\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About DUI vs. DWI"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What if a single bad decision affected you for the rest of your life?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s what it feels like for many who are convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired. They quickly discover how difficult it can be to find the <\/span>best car insurance<\/span><\/a> after getting convicted. But other, more far-reaching consequences can affect your life and your career.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every driver needs to arm themselves with the knowledge they need on the road. For example, most drivers don\u2019t know the difference between a DUI and DWI. Are you one of them? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a DUI?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The term \u201cDUI\u201d simply means \u201cdriving under the influence.\u201d In this case, the \u201cinfluence\u201d refers to either alcohol or drugs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many mistakenly think they can only get a drug-related DUI if they are using illegal drugs. However, this term encompasses all drug use, including things you may have been prescribed by your doctor. Ultimately, the purpose of this law is to help keep unsafe drivers from getting behind the wheel when under the influence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a DWI?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The term \u201cDWI\u201d means \u201cdriving while intoxicated\u201d or \u201cdriving while impaired.\u201d Some states may only have a DWI policy in place of a DUI policy. In such states, there is no need to worry about the distinction between the terms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In states that do have policies for both DUIs and DWIs, the difference usually comes down to how high your blood alcohol content (BAC) is. And before we dive into more of the differences between these classifications, we need to review the importance of your BAC in the eyes of the law.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Importance of Your Blood Alcohol Content<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your blood alcohol content is the most reliable way for police officers and courts to measure the intensity of intoxication. In most states, the standard BAC to trigger a DUI is .08 percent or higher. The notable exception is Utah, where a BAC of <\/span>.05 percent or higher<\/span><\/a> is all that is required.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some states where someone can get convicted of a DWI for a lower level of blood alcohol content. For example, Maryland and Oklahoma can give someone a DWI for having a BAC close to .08, but only if they can also prove the driver was impaired.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of impairment, Arizona is the rare state where someone may be convicted of a DUI for a BAC of lower than .08, but only if the authorities can prove the driver is impaired. Arkansas and Texas have DUI laws that explicitly target minors who drive drunk. In Arkansas, those under 21 can get a DUI if their blood alcohol content is between .02 and .08, while Texas drivers under 21 can get a DUI for having any alcohol in their system.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s always possible to hire a lawyer to argue in your defense, keep in mind that many courts consider BAC evidence <\/span>taken with a breathalyzer<\/span><\/a> to be definitive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the Difference Between DUI and DWI?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some states<\/span><\/a> only have a DUI or DWI law in place. In these states, there is no functional difference between the terms. In states that have both, the difference comes down to the driver\u2019s blood alcohol content and whether the police can prove the driver was impaired.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, in states that have both DUIs and DWIs, the punishment is usually more severe for one than the other (more on this momentarily). In Utah, for example, a defendant accused of DUI can sometimes effectively plead down to a DWI.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By fully understanding the different penalties for each conviction, you can better understand the dangers of driving in an intoxicated or impaired state. This knowledge may help you avoid certain penalties and even help you <\/span>save on insurance<\/span><\/a> if you\u2019re convicted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n

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