DUI vs OWI
What exactly is the difference between DUI and OWI? For the most part, they mean the same thing, but there are some slight differences to justify the different acronyms.
DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” OWI stands for “Operating While Under the Influence.” In the State of Iowa, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and thus, Iowa uses the acronym OWI, although many Iowans still refer to it as DUI.
Other states only prohibit driving while under the influence, thus use the term DUI. “Operating” has a broader definition than “driving” under most State laws. In Iowa, “Operating” is defined as “being in physical control of a motor vehicle that is in motion and has its engine running.” So, a person is always “operating” when “driving” but not necessarily always “driving” when “operating.”
There are other acronyms (as mentioned below) which have similar definitions, with subtle distinctions.
Common “drunk driving” acronyms and what they stand for:
- DUI = Driving Under the Influence
- DUII = Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
- DUII-CS = Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants: Controlled Substances
- DWI = Driving While Intoxicated
- DWAI = Driving While Ability Impaired
- OWI = Operating While Intoxicated
- OVI = Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
- OMVI = Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired
- OUI = Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
- ADWI = Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated
Drunk driving laws are determined by each individual state. The legal limit for drinking and driving in all 50 states is .08 blood alcohol content (BAC), with the exception of Utah, where it is .05. Aside from that fact, the name of the offense and other specifics in each state differ.
In Iowa, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Iowa’s drunk driving charge, and carry some of the most severe penalties of any misdemeanor offense in Iowa and must be taken very seriously.
DUI Is Term Used by Most States
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is the acronym used by most states for drunken driving or driving under the influence.
States that use the term Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) include: Alaska, Arkansas, Conneticut, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Texas and West Virginia.
The following states use the terms listed below:
- OWI – Iowa, Indiana
- OUI – Rhode Island, Massachusetts (which also uses DUI)
- OVI – Ohio
- DUII – Oregon
Whether it’s called a DUI, DWI or OWI, a conviction for drunken driving will cost you a significant amount of money, both in the present and in the long term. It can also cost you indirectly because it might restrict the jobs you are able to get with a DUI conviction on your record.
An experienced lawyer specializing in OWI and criminal defense can make the experience much less difficult, ensure your rights are protected, and that you receive the minimum possible penalty.