DUI vs DWI - Understanding
Differences
It is important to
know what DUI and DWI are. Establishing a thorough grasp of DUI vs DWI
will make you an informed driver. First, DUI stands for drinking under
the influence. This means that a driver is under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. The drugs treated under the term of DUI do not have to
illegal. It may pertain to over-the-counter drugs, prescription
medicine and others. On the other hand, DWI is an acronym for driving
while intoxicated. DWI may also mean driving while impaired. In
general, all fifty (50) states use these terms interchangeably.
However, in New York, the legal limit of DWI is pegged at a blood
alcohol level of 0.8.
DUI
vs DWI - How Different?
There
are, however, very minute details that differentiate one from the
other. In most states, DUI carries with it a lesser degree of
punishment. In DUI vs DWI,
it must also be remembered that DWI always refers exclusively to
alcohol consumption on the one hand, and DUI involves drugs or alcohol
on the other. Both offenses give the arresting or responding officer
reason to believe that the driver of a vehicle is too impaired to
handle or drive a vehicle in public.
DUI
vs DWI - State Differences
Are
you ready to see the different states for a DUI vs. DWI comparison? The
following are the states that use the term DUI: Alabama, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,
Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi,
Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In contrast, DWI is
used in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas,Louisiana,Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and
Washington D.C.. Now that you know the main differences, you can check
the different laws applicable in each state to further enhance your
knowledge on the subject matter. It is always advisable, however, to
remain sober at all times and keep in mind that drinking while driving
is a bad combination. Be safe and be a responsible driver all the time.
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