DWI vs. DUI: What’s worse and what do they mean? (2024)
A DWI vs. DUI charge depends upon the state in which you live. The difference between DUI and DWI is that a DWI measures intoxication whereas a DUI measures influence. Either one could increase your auto insurance rate for at least three to five years. We'll detail which is worse: DUI or DWI.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Dec 20, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 20, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- A DUI is enforced when a driver can be found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A DWI meaning can be defined as driving while intoxicated past the legal limit
- In some states, DWIs can carry a higher weight because they require that a driver’s blood alcohol limit be excessively high
- A zero-tolerance policy is utilized by most states where DUI’s and DWI’s are interchangeable
Drinking and driving represent huge legal infractions. Drivers across the United States can see slogans flashing across traffic screens daily like, “Don’t drink and drive, and you’ll stay alive” or “Don’t Drink and Drive, Arrive Alive,” among several others.
Drinking and driving can be a misdemeanor or a felony offense depending on certain factors and laws. Which laws contribute to hindering drinking and driving? A DUI (driving under the influence) and/or a DWI (driving while intoxicated).
The DWI/DUI meaning can be labeled as driving with harmful toxins in your body whether it is alcohol or a narcotic.
What’s the difference between DUI vs. DWI? The major difference lies in the words themselves. One is associated with being under the influence of an impairing substance while the other is associated with being intoxicated past the legal limit with alcohol.
If you find yourself driving while impaired, which offense will be more costly to your driving record and car insurance, a DWI or a DUI? You may wonder, “What is DUI insurance like after an offense occurs?”
Compare DWI vs. DUI car insurance rates in your area by entering your ZIP code in the free tool above.
DWI vs. DUI
A DWI and DUI are both illegal acts of driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. There are federal mandates for DUI’s or DWI’s. Federally, if you’re stopped for a DUI or DWI you must submit to a test of your blood alcohol level. The federal limit is 0.08%. State limits can be higher or lower.
A DWI and DUI can also be handled on a state-by-state basis. Most states have instituted a zero-tolerance policy which means that both a DUI and DWI carry the same level of offense.
Other states differentiate the terms by the inclusion of drugs as well as alcohol. The phrase “under the influence” can mean the use of alcohol, drugs, or both. Furthermore, in some states, DWIs can be associated with a higher level of offense. Intoxication denotes a higher blood alcohol level.
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What is a DUI?
DUI defined is “driving under the influence.” If you get a DUI, it can be for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The drugs can be legally prescribed, over-the-counter, or illegal.
A DUI is evidence that a driver has illegally driven a vehicle or gotten into a vehicle with the intent to drive while possessing high concentrations of alcohol or drugs in his or her system.
What is a DWI?
What is the DWI meaning? It stands for “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while impaired.” A police officer can charge you with a DWI if they find that drugs are impairing your faculties or if you were drowsy while driving.
Unlike a DUI, a DWI offense shows that a driver’s blood-alcohol level was tested and proved to be at an extreme. Like a DUI, DWIs display that a driver has illegally driven a vehicle or gotten into a vehicle with the intent to drive while possessing high concentrations of alcohol or drugs in his or her system.
DWI vs DUI: Which is worse?
In states where a DUI and DWI are different, a DUI can constitute a lesser crime or misdemeanor offense than a DWI.
DUIs can often be handed down without a blood alcohol test. There are even some instances when DWIs can be argued down to DUI charges with a plea deal.
Whether a DUI or DWI, neither is good for your record. A DUI can result in an average car insurance increase of 71%.
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What do similar charges mean?
There are other possible charges you might face while driving impaired. For example:
- DWAI stands for “driving while ability impaired.”
- OUI stands for “operating under the influence.”
- OVUII stands for “operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.”
- OWI stands for “operating while intoxicated.”
The charge you might get depends on the state where you’re driving.
Read more: Does a physical control violation affect auto insurance rates?
What happens after a DUI or DWI?
If a driver is charged with a DUI or DWI, repercussions can include:
- Increased car insurance costs
- Monetary fine(s)
- Mandated community service
- Loss of car insurance coverage
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Loss of driver’s license
Assessment by breathalyzers, or electronic devices that measure the breath alcohol content (BrAC) from a person, can also be a consequence of DUI’s or DWI’s. The device ensures that a driver has a 0.0% blood alcohol level and is fit to start a vehicle.
In the event a driver loses their car insurance coverage to one or more DUI or DWI charges, one may have to utilize SR-22 auto insurance. An SR-22 is special documentation used by the DMV and/or car insurance companies to prove a person has met the minimum liability coverage of the state.
When you compare a DUI vs. DWI, you’ll find that any differences between them typically depend on the state you live in and how they dictate DUI and DWI charges and offenses.
Read more: Does a suspended license affect auto insurance rates?
Type your ZIP code in the free tool below to discover DWI vs. DUI car insurance quotes in your area.
How do drunk driving laws differ by state?
Specifically, how do different states refer to a DUI and its variations, and what are the penalties? The intricacies of all state laws are too numerous to name, but here are areas we will look at the following blood alcohol concentration limits, penalties, and point expiration periods.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits
What is the BAC limit in your state? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out that a BAC of 0.08 — also called the “per se” limit — is illegal in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Utah has the strictest standard of 0.05.
Besides the per se limit, states and municipalities also have zero-tolerance and enhanced-penalty BAC levels.
State | Drunk Driving Offense | Zero Tolerance BAC Level | Enhanced Penalty BAC Level |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Alaska | DUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Arizona | DUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Arkansas | DWI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
California | DUI | 0.01 | 0.15 |
Colorado | DUID | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Connecticut | OWI | 0.02 | 0.16 |
Delaware | DUI | 0.02 | 0.16 |
District of Columbia | DUI | 0.00 | 0.2 and 0.25 |
Florida | DUI | 0.02 | 0.2 |
Georgia | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Hawaii | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Idaho | DUI | 0.02 | 0.2 |
Illinois | DUI | 0.00 | 0.16 |
Indiana | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Iowa | OWI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Kansas | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Kentucky | DUI | 0.02 | 0.18 |
Louisiana | DWI | 0.02 | 0.15 and 0.2 |
Maine | OUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Maryland | DUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Massachusetts | OUI | 0.02 | 0.2 (for drivers aged 17-21) |
Michigan | DWI | 0.00 | 0.17 |
Minnesota | DWID | 0.00 | 0.16 |
Mississippi | DUI | 0.02 | N/A |
Missouri | DWI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Montana | DUI | 0.02 | 0.16 |
Nebraska | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Nevada | DUI | 0.02 | 0.18 |
New Hampshire | DUI | 0.02 | 0.16 |
New Jersey | DWI | 0.01 | 0.10 |
New Mexico | DUID | 0.02 | 0.16 |
New York | DWI | 0.02 | 0.18 |
North Carolina | DWI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
North Dakota | DUI | 0.02 | 0.18 |
Ohio | DUI | 0.02 | 0.17 |
Oklahoma | DUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Oregon | DUI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Pennsylvania | DUI | 0.00 | 0.1 |
Rhode Island | DUI | 0.02 | 0.1 and 0.15 |
South Carolina | DUI | 0.02 | 0.17 |
South Dakota | DUI | 0.02 | 0.17 |
Tennessee | DUI | 0.02 | 0.2 |
Texas | DWI | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Utah | DUI | 0.00 | 0.16 |
Vermont | OWI | 0.02 | 0.16 |
Virginia | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 and 0.2 |
Washington | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
West Virginia | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
Wisconsin | DUI | 0.00 | 0.17, 0.2, and 0.25 |
Wyoming | DUI | 0.02 | 0.15 |
In most states, the enhanced penalty BAC limit is double or nearly double that of the per se limit. Pennsylvania’s enhanced limit is stricter than any other state. For a detailed example of a state, see our article on Connecticut Penalties for a DUI Conviction.
DUI/DWI Penalties
In the past, we looked at drunk driving rates by state and coronavirus DUI drop predictions, and we offered a snapshot of DUI penalties in each state. In most states, you will face jail time upon getting caught while driving impaired. Also, you will likely pay a fine for a first offense.
For example, first, second, and third DUI offenses in Montana are misdemeanors. A fourth offense is a felony. Oregon has a minimum jail time of 2 days and a maximum fine of $6,250 for first-time DUI offenses.
Point Expiration Periods
Here is a breakdown of point expiration periods by state:
State | How long does it take for points to expire? |
---|---|
Alabama | 2 years |
Alaska | 2 points after 12 months |
Arizona | 12 months |
Arkansas | 36 months |
California | 36 months for minor violations, 10 years for major |
Colorado | Points do not expire |
Connecticut | 24 months |
Delaware | Points lose half their value after 12 months |
D.C. | 2 years |
Florida | 5 years |
Georgia | 2 years |
Hawaii | N/A |
Idaho | 3 years |
Illinois | 4-5 years for minor violations, at least 7 for major |
Indiana | 2 years |
Iowa | 5 years, 12 years for DUIs |
Kansas | N/A |
Kentucky | 2 years |
Louisiana | N/A |
Maine | 1 year |
Maryland | 2 years |
Massachusetts | 6 years |
Michigan | 2 years |
Minnesota | N/A |
Mississippi | N/A |
Missouri | 3 years |
Montana | 3 years |
Nebraska | 5 years |
Nevada | 12 months |
New Hampshire | 3 years |
New Jersey | 3 points per year without violations |
New Mexico | 1 year |
New York | 18 months |
North Carolina | 3 years |
North Dakota | 1 point will be reduced every 3 months after a suspension. 3 points can be removed with a defensive driving course |
Ohio | 2 years |
Oklahoma | 2 points per 12 months |
Oregon | N/A |
Pennsylvania | 3 points per 12 months |
Rhode Island | N/A |
South Carolina | Points reduce by half after 1 year, fully by 2 years |
South Dakota | Depends on the violation |
Tennessee | 2 years |
Texas | 3 years |
Utah | 3 years |
Vermont | 2 years |
Virginia | 2 years |
Washington | N/A |
West Virginia | 2 years |
Wisconsin | Points remain for as long as you have a ticked on your record (about 5 years) |
Wyoming | N/A |
In most states, you will have to wait at least three to five years for the state to remove points from your license.
Read more: Do points affect auto insurance rates?
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How do DUIs and DWIs affect your auto insurance?
If you are wondering, “Will a criminal record affect my auto insurance?” the answer is yes. With a DUI or DWI on your record, you run the risk of losing your current auto insurance policy. Also, whether you keep your policy or need to find a new one, your rates will increase.
Read more: How to Find Auto Insurance Quotes Fast Without Commitment
When it comes to DWI vs. DUI for auto insurance companies, the convictions are generally viewed similarly, in that they both indicate a higher risk of accidents and claims. So whether DWI or DUI, expect to see a significant increase in our insurance premium, as well as possibly a requirement to purchase an SR-22.Schimri Yoyo Licensed Insurance Agent & Financial Advisor
Here is a breakdown of the different types of moving violations and how they can increase your auto insurance rates:
Driving Violation | Monthly Rates | Average Rate Increase Percentages |
---|---|---|
Clean Record | $155 | N/A |
DUI/DWI First Offense (3-5 Years) | $168 | 8% |
Cell Phone/Texting | $176 | 13% |
Speeding (Less Than 20 Mph Over) | $176 | 13% |
Speeding (More Than 20 Over) | $176 | 13% |
At-Fault Accident | $197 | 27% |
Reckless Driving | $197 | 27% |
Hit And Run | $197 | 27% |
DUI/DWI (12-24 Months) | $197 | 27% |
DUI/DWI Second Offense (3-5 Years) | N/A | N/A |
Surprisingly, a few DUI or DWI offenses may lead to the smallest increase in your rates, but felony or subsequent offenses lead to the highest increases. Also, major auto insurance companies might not want to assume the risk if you commit two or more DUI/DWI offenses. If you need to find a new provider, see our article Best Auto Insurance Companies for Drivers With a DUI.
In any event, you should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance. Avoid driving impaired for any reason, and get some rest if you feel tired: See our article, Top 5 Tips for Avoiding Highway Hypnosis.
We hope that this discussion of DUI vs. DWI was informative and answered the questions including “What does DWI mean?” and “Is DWI or DUI worse?”
If you’re ready to look at rates from top auto insurance companies in your area, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DWI stand for, and what does it mean?
DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated.” It is a term used to describe a criminal offense committed when a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely.
What does DUI stand for, and how is it different from DWI?
DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” While the specific definitions may vary by jurisdiction, DUI generally refers to the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of the specific level of impairment.
Some jurisdictions use DUI and DWI interchangeably, while others distinguish between the two based on the level of impairment or the substances involved.
What’s worse a DWI or DUI?
The terms DWI and DUI are used interchangeably in different jurisdictions, but their specific definitions and penalties can vary. Some states differentiate between the two terms, with DWI typically indicating a higher level of intoxication or impairment compared to DUI. However, the exact distinction varies from state to state.
What is DWI vs. DUI in Nevada?
Nevada uses the term DUI.
What are the penalties for DWI/DUI convictions?
The penalties for DWI/DUI convictions depend on various factors, including the jurisdiction and the offender’s prior record. Typical consequences may include fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, community service, and even jail time. Penalties usually increase for repeat offenses.
Is it possible to be charged with both DWI and DUI simultaneously?
Depending on the jurisdiction, it is possible to be charged with both DWI and DUI simultaneously. This can occur when a person is found to be operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, or when a state differentiates between the two charges based on specific circumstances.
Is it possible to obtain insurance coverage after a DWI or DUI conviction?
Yes, it is possible to obtain insurance coverage after a DWI or DUI conviction, but it may be more challenging and expensive. Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage to high-risk drivers, including those with a history of DWI or DUI convictions. These companies typically offer policies with higher premiums.
It is advisable to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable option.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.