DUI and DWI are terms used to indicate illegal driving. These are used in relation to breaking some essential traffic rules while driving and are eligible for minor to major federal punishments depending on the seriousness of the crime.

The term DUI stands for ‘Driving Under the Influence’, while the term DWI stands for ‘Driving While Intoxicated’. DWI may also indicate ‘Driving While Impaired’. These terms are usually used in the American states learn more. Some states use DWI and DUI interchangeably while in most of the states these are recognized as separate crimes. Terms indicating similar crimes are also in use like "OWI," and"DUID" which are abbreviations for ‘Operating While Impaired’ and‘Driving Under the Influence of Drugs’, respectively. There are states which use either the DUI term or the DWI term. Both are recognized as same offense. Thus in a discussion ofDUI versus DWI, the similarity should be clarified first. It is essential to know these rules of drunk driving. The similarities between ‘Driving Under the Influence’ and ‘Driving While Intoxicated’ are:

1. Both of these terms indicate that illegal driving will be considered if the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, narcotics like cocaine or crack, prescribed medicine, over the counter medicine or any other substance which might impair the senses of the driver imposing a risk of accidents on the road additional information. The drugs consumed by the driver need not have to be illegal.

2. Alcohol limit in blood has been designated to be same in both DUI and DWI cases. It is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older. If impairment can be apparently seen or observed in the driver, an alcohol percentage in blood of 0.05 percent will be considered as offensive. If the driver is below the age of 21 years, then a blood alcohol percentage of as low as 0.02 percent is deemed offensive and punishable. Special blood alcohol concentration of BAC limit are set by several authorities bodies to prevent accidents on road and discourage any level of driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or narcotics. For example Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has specified a 0.04% BAC limit. These are applicable to those who drive commercial vehicles and have a commercial driver's license. When traffic police on road suspects of impairment of the driver, he will be advised and even may be forced to stop the vehicle. Series of physical tests are then done on the driver http://newjerseydwi.net/dwi-penalties/. If suspected to be drunk, then a BAC is performed which accurately detects the alcohol level.

3. The punishment terms varies by state. Individual states in America have been deployed with the power to regulate DUI or DWI laws. The severity of the punishment also depends on the number of cases of DUI or DWI a particular person have been accused of. Suspension of license, small to hefty fines, mandatory participation in education programs and counseling, community service are some common types of punishments coded by law. Imprisonment or significant jail time may also be imposed depending on the seriousness of the crime.