All of us are more or less familiar with both DUI and DWI but not many of us can clearly identify the difference between the two terms or say what each entails. In this article, today, we’re going to define and elaborate on both, forever banishing the vagueness surrounding them. To begin with let’s get these acronyms right. DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence” and refers to the act of controlling a vehicle, most commonly a four wheeler, but also including such forms of transport as bicycles and other two-wheelers, boats and aircrafts, while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. DWI, on the other hand, stands for “Driving While Intoxicated (or Impaired)” and also refers to the act of operating a vehicle while in a state of intoxication brought about by the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. What then is the big difference? You might ask.

Well, while both are considered to be criminal offences in most countries, here in the United States, they are dealt with differently by each State government. While some States, differentiate between the two and count DUI as a lesser charge, some others adopt a zero toleration policy wherein both DUI and DWI are treated the same and are just preferred ways of referring to the same issue.