DWI

DWI — "driving while intoxicated" or "driving while impaired" — is used interchangeably with DUI in many jurisdictions but carries distinct legal meaning in several states. New York, Texas, and Missouri use DWI as the primary term; New Jersey uses DWI for alcohol and DUI for drugs; some states (e.g., Minnesota) grade DWI by BAC tier. In states that distinguish, "DWI" often connotes the higher-tier alcohol offense (typically BAC ≥ 0.08), while "DUI" or "DUID" ("driving under the influence of drugs") covers impairment by substances including cannabis. Practitioners should check the operative statute: Texas Penal Code § 49.04 ("DWI") applies to alcohol and drugs alike, while other states bifurcate. The terminology is historical and non-substantive; the elements — operation, intoxication, and a public road — are common to all impaired-driving regimes. *→ See also: DUI, Per se, Implied consent