- Resources
Important DUI Terms
Difference between DUI and DWI
DUI stands for “driving under the influence” and DWI stands for either “driving while intoxicated” or
“driving while impaired”. In some states, these terms can have different meanings or they could refer to
the same offense while you were pulled over.
In either case, both DUI and DWI imply that a driver is being imposed with a serious offense of having risked the health and safety of himself and others. These charges are applied for not just alcohol and recreational drugs but also to driving when your prescription drugs impair your abilities. It is also crucial to understand that one is not adverse than the other and that both can have a huge effect on your life.
In either case, both DUI and DWI imply that a driver is being imposed with a serious offense of having risked the health and safety of himself and others. These charges are applied for not just alcohol and recreational drugs but also to driving when your prescription drugs impair your abilities. It is also crucial to understand that one is not adverse than the other and that both can have a huge effect on your life.
BAC
BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is used to check the percentage of alcohol content in the driver’s
bloodstream. Having a BAC of .10% means that an individual’s blood supply contains one part of alcohol for
every 1000 parts blood. In most states, a driver having a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally
intoxicated.
Zero tolerance BAC laws
For anyone below the age of 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their blood is considered illegal.
This law is enforced by the entire 50 states. Even a slight amount of BAC levels like .01 or .02 would
lead to a penalty. Considering such laws, even an innocent glass of wine with dinner could lead a young
driver with a DUI charge.
Enhanced penalty laws( high BAC)
In some cases, BAC is not the only cause considered when penalties are issued. In certain states, DUI
penalties are issued likewise if the driver is speed driving, has children onboard, causes an accident or
denies to be tested.
Implied consent
The implied consent law states that all persons who opt to drive on public roadways thereby implicitly
agree to undergo chemical tests of breath, blood, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content, if asked
to do so by a law enforcement officer. In case the driver disagrees to take the test implied consent laws
carry penalty charges like mandatory suspension of driver’s license.
Alcohol education and assessment
In the majority of the states, if you are convicted for a DUI, you will need to be evaluated for alcohol
abuse at some point during the criminal proceedings that proceed. Alcohol abuse assessments are intended
to understand whether and to what extent a driver has a substance abuse problem following an
alcohol-related arrest. This can allow experts who are specialized and knowledgeable about alcohol abuse
to develop a treatment plan to address your specific circumstances.
Administrative License Revocation
ALR or Administrative License Revocation is the removal of a DUI/DWI offender’s driver’s license at the
time of an arrest upon the failure or refusal of a chemical test. This divergence is important –
administrative revocations are immediate in nature and, because of this, ALR is one of the most highly
effective ways to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol. Not to mention, ALR laws are
effective in saving lives.
DUI penalties by state
| High-risk rating factor | Average annual rate | Increase vs. no violations |
|---|---|---|
| Collision with damage over $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Collision with damage over $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Collision with damage over $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Collision with damage over $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Collision with damage over $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
