DUI Next Steps
    Glossary

    DUI, DWI, DWAI & OWI: What Each Term Means

    Impaired-driving charges go by different names depending on where you were arrested. Understanding the terminology in your state is the first step to understanding what you're actually charged with — and what penalties apply. Use the glossary below to find your state and jump to its full guide.

    DUI Next Steps Guide — What Happens Next? 2026 edition covering DUI, DWI, OUI and OWI charges
    The DUI Next Steps Guide covers every version of the charge — DUI, DWI, OUI and OWI.

    DUI

    Driving Under the Influence

    The most common term nationwide for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

    DUI is the default charge in most states and typically applies when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.05% in Utah). Many states use DUI as an umbrella term that covers both alcohol and drug impairment.

    States that use DUI

    AlabamaAlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaii (also OVUII)IdahoIllinoisKansasKentuckyMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNorth DakotaOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWyoming

    DWI

    Driving While Intoxicated (or Impaired)

    Used in place of — or alongside — DUI in many states. The meaning of the 'I' (intoxicated vs. impaired) varies by jurisdiction.

    In Texas and New Jersey, DWI is the only charge. In states like New York and Maryland, DWI is a distinct charge that may carry different BAC thresholds or penalties than DUI. In Minnesota, all impaired-driving offenses are graded as DWIs by degree.

    States that use DWI

    ArkansasLouisianaMarylandMinnesotaMissouriNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaRhode IslandTexas

    DWAI

    Driving While Ability Impaired

    A lesser impaired-driving charge that applies when a driver's BAC is below the standard DUI threshold but their ability is still affected.

    Colorado uses DWAI for BAC between 0.05 and 0.079. New York uses DWAI for BAC between 0.05 and 0.07, where it is classified as a traffic infraction rather than a crime. DWAI typically carries lighter penalties than DUI or DWI but still appears on your driving record.

    States that use DWAI

    ColoradoNew York

    OWI / OUI / OVI / DUII

    Operating While Intoxicated (and regional variants)

    Used in states that frame the offense around 'operating' a vehicle rather than 'driving' — meaning you don't always need to be moving to be charged.

    OWI is used in Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan. OUI (Operating Under the Influence) is used in Maine and Massachusetts. OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) is used in Ohio. DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) is used in Oregon. Arkansas also recognizes OWI as an alternative charge.

    States that use OWI

    Arkansas (OWI)Indiana (OWI)Iowa (OWI)Maine (OUI)Massachusetts (OUI)Michigan (OWI)Ohio (OVI)Oregon (DUII)Wisconsin (OWI)

    Don't see your state, or unsure which charge applies?

    Each state guide explains the local terminology, BAC limits, hearing deadlines, and first steps to take.

    Browse all 50 state guides

    Disclaimer: This glossary is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for guidance on your specific case.