Are DUI and DWI the same thing? Yes, they are the same thing, despite what some may think.<\/p>\n
Some states do tend to differentiate between charges involving driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). In actual fact, these are the same offense and are not usually considered to be separate and distinct crimes.<\/p>\n
There is a prevailing belief about the distinctions between DUI and DWI. Most believe that DUI means driving under the influence of something<\/em>, which could mean drugs \u2013 either street or prescription \u2013 and that DWI means driving while drunk\/impaired, since impaired is generally a term used in reference to drinking and driving.<\/p>\n Realistically speaking, the distinction is actually minimal, as the key here is being under the influence or impaired by something. Put another way, drugs or alcohol will impair a driver, making them \u201cunder the influence\u201d of drugs or booze.<\/p>\n