OVI, DUI, OWI, DWI: What’s The Difference?

Ovi, Dui, Owi, Dwi: What’s The Difference?

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Here is a quick chart by state of the relevant abbreviations:

Although individual state regulations can vary significantly, 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.

Which charge did you receive?

OVI = Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated
OMVI = Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired
DUI = Driving Under the Influence
DUII = Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
DUII-CS = Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants: Controlled Substances
OWI = Operating While Intoxicated
DWI = Driving While Intoxicated
OUI = Operating Under the Influence of intoxicating liquor
DWAI = Driving While Ability Impaired
ADWI = Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated

All of these acronyms mean the same thing — that the person driving was suspected of doing so while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

Here is a quick chart by state of the relevant abbreviations:

State	Impaired Driving Charge Abbreviation
Alaska	DUI
Alabama	DUI
Arkansas	DWI
Arizona	DUI
California	DUI
Colorado	DUI
Connecticut	DUI
Delaware	DUI
Florida	DUI
Georgia	DUI
Hawaii	DUI
Iowa	OWI
Idaho	DUI
Illinois	DUI
Indiana	OWI
Kansas	DUI
Kentucky	DUI
Louisiana	DWI
Massachusetts	OUI/DUI
Maryland	DUI
Maine	OUI
Michigan	OWI
Minnesota	DWI
Missouri	DWI
Mississippi	DUI
Montana	DUI
North Carolina	DWI
North Dakota	DUI
Nebraska	DUI
New Hampshire	DWI
New Jersey	DWI
New Mexico	DWI
Nevada	DUI
New York	DWI
Ohio	OVI
Oklahoma	DUI
Oregon	DUII
Pennsylvania	DUI
Rhode Island	DWI
South Carolina	DUI
South Dakota	DWI
Tennessee	DUI
Texas	DWI
Utah	DUI
Virginia	DUI
Vermont	DUI
Washington	DUI

Most states require a hardship license or an ignition interlock restricted license after you install your IID. Check our state requirements page for specific information on how to get your license back with an ignition interlock device (IID). No matter what the charge is, if you need a car breathalyzer, LifeSafer is the best ignition interlock company when it comes to service and convenience.

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