Understanding the Difference: DUI vs DWI, OWI vs DUI and Other Impaired Driving Acronyms Explained

Updated June 10, 2025

Depending on what state you’re in, getting arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs might result in a DUI, a DWI, an OWI, an OVI, or several other types of charges.

With so many impaired driving acronyms, it can be hard to understand the difference between a DUI vs DWI, an OWI vs DUI, etc. All these acronyms generally revolve around the same idea: operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This can also include cases where individuals drive impaired due to legally prescribed medication. Let’s look more closely at the definitions of these terms and the consequences they can come with.

Common Acronyms for Impaired Driving (and What They Mean)

Since the list of impaired driving acronyms is so long and there are many definitions, it is easy to get confused. We’ve created a list of the different terms used in the United States:

• DUI: Driving Under the Influence
• DWI: Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired
• DUID/DUI-D: Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• DWAI: Driving While Ability Impaired
• OUI: Operating Under the Influence
• OWI: Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired
• OVUII: Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant
• OWVI: Operating While Visibly Impaired
• OUIL: Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
• OUID: Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
• OMVWI: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired/Intoxicated
• RAR: Reckless Driving- Alcohol Related
• UOWI: Underage Operating While Intoxicated

DUI and DWI are the most common and are used by 44 of the states. Some of these acronyms are only used by one state, such as OWVI in Michigan or OVUII in Hawaii. We’ll go more into which state uses which acronym below.

Why are there so many different impaired driving acronyms?

DUI, DWI, OUI, and OWI are acronyms commonly used to describe impaired driving offenses involving alcohol and/or drugs. However, the specific acronyms and their meanings can vary from state to state, reflecting the differences in impaired driving laws. 

Regardless of the specific acronym used, it’s crucial to understand that a DUI, DWI, OUI, or OWI is considered a criminal offense in every state. The legal blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% nationwide, except for Utah, where it’s 0.05%, as noted by the Utah Department of Public Safety. However, underage drivers charged with drunk or impaired driving may face different limits.

DUI vs OWI vs DWI vs OVI

In the majority of US states, these terms all mean the same thing: driving while your BAC is over the legal limit, or while you’re under the influence of other impairing substances. The main difference is what term your state’s laws use. However, in the states where the terms have different meanings, it’s important to know which term means what.

DUI vs DWI

DUI and DWI are the most common acronyms across states for an intoxicated driving charge. In most states, they have very similar or identical meanings, although most states use either one or the other.

In many states, these terms can refer to either driving with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit, or driving while under the influence of drugs. This includes common recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine, but many people are surprised to learn that the definition can include drugs legally prescribed by a medical professional. Thus, be sure to check the warning labels on any prescription medicine you take for information about whether it can affect your ability to drive a vehicle, and ask your doctor about the risks of doing so.

In some states, DUI and DWI can refer to different charges. In Arkansas, for example, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration states that DWI is the charge for drivers over 21 who blow over a .08 BAC. DUI, meanwhile, is exclusively for drivers under 21 with a tested BAC between .02 and .08. A few states have unique terms, like driving while ability impaired (DWAI) in Colorado. According to the Colorado Legislature website, this refers to driving with a lower BAC while still demonstrating impairment “to the slightest degree.” 

OWI vs DUI

OWI, OVI, OMVWI, and other related terms use the word “operating” instead of “driving,” but they usually mean the same thing as a DUI or DWI. Some states use these terms to be more accurate, since you don’t actually have to be driving a vehicle to be charged. 

If that sounds confusing, here’s the deal: Many states require only that you are in “actual physical control” of the vehicle, meaning drivers can be charged for sitting behind the wheel of a parked vehicle while intoxicated. In addition, you don’t necessarily have to be “driving,” since you can be arrested in most states for operating various other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters, or tractors, while intoxicated.

Impaired Driving Acronym List by State 

Below is an easy-to-use chart of each state, its acronym for impaired driving, and whether the acronym includes alcohol, drugs, or both. If there is more than one acronym listed, the state has more than one meaning for impaired driving.

It’s important to keep in mind that impaired driving laws and their associated acronyms can change over time. Your attorney can help explain the difference in OWI vs. DUI, OWI vs. DWI, and any other questions about your exact charges that you might have.

Consequences of an Impaired Driving Charge

The consequences of impaired driving offenses vary from state to state and will likely depend on factors like the amount of alcohol in your system and whether it’s your first offense. 

In many cases, individuals may have the option to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in their vehicle in order to get a restricted license and begin driving again. (As if there weren’t enough acronyms already, these are also called Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDs) in some states, such as Illinois.)

An Interlock Device requires the user to blow a breath sample into an alcohol-detecting unit before starting their vehicle and while driving. The good news is that these devices don’t disrupt your daily routine, as the breath tests required only take a matter of seconds. Learn more about how IIDs work here.

How long you have to keep an Interlock Device installed in your vehicle depends on the state you got the DUI in and your specific program requirements. Smart Start’s Program Advisors can help you learn about options for an IID that meets your requirements, so get in touch now if you need help figuring out the next step in getting back on the road.

Why Choose Smart Start?

Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, DWI, OUI, or OWI charge, Smart Start is a practical and affordable choice for an Interlock Device. We are a trusted provider of user-friendly Ignition Interlock Devices, approved by state DUI authorities in every state we operate in. 

Ready to get started? Contact us now to set up an appointment with our Program Advisors and schedule an appointment at a Smart Start service center near you. We make the process quick and convenient, with same-day installation often available, plus hands-on demonstrations for how to use your IID and 24/7/365 multilingual customer support.