In some states, DUI and DWI mean essentially the same thing. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while drunk. However, some states recognize and distinguish between both violations, while others use alternative stenography (“manipulation/drinking under influence”) such as OUI or OWI. To understand the state’s alcohol and drug traffic laws, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team breaks down the differences between each claim, along with potential insurance impacts.
DUI vs DWI explained
Most Americans know what DUI is, but not all state governments use the term DUI to refer to drunken driving crimes. Another common term for driving under the influence is DWI. The legal distinction between DUI and DWI varies even by state and local jurisdiction. The best way to identify differences is to look into the laws of your state or city.
What is a DUI?
Colloquially, it is common to call a conviction of drunk driving, which stands for “driving under the influence” of alcohol or drugs, a “DUI.” In most states, if your blood alcohol test reveals your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.08%, you can request a DUI.
What is DWI?
In states that do not use DUI, the next common label for attacks of driving a car while under impact is “disabled” or “driving while drunk”, or DWI. Generally speaking, DWI means the same thing as DUI. However, some states, such as Rhode Island, use both terms.
If both DUI and DWI charges are present in the condition, the distinction is often related to the degree of addiction, and DWI usually applies to less intoxicated drivers.
For example, the Rhode Island Automobile Division assigns the DUI label to drunken attacks for drivers of all ages with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. However, Rhode Island drivers under the age of 21 will be charged a BAC of 0.02 to .08% with DWI (driving while experiencing impairment). Colorado laws maintain a similar distinction. DUI charges apply to people who are “substantially incompetent” in driving safely with alcohol or drugs, while DWAI (while ability is impaired) applies to drivers affected by “a small degree”.
Yes Vs. OWI
In some states, drivers may be charged with either OUI or OWI. OUI means “working under the influence of intoxicating liquor,” while OWI means “working while drunk.” Currently, there are five states that use such terms when claiming a driver-related crime.
- Indiana: OWI
- Iowa: OWI
- main: oui
- Massachusetts: oui
- Michigan: OWI
- Wisconsin: OWI
OWVI and DUAC
In certain states, drivers may charge an OWVI or DUAC. OWVI means that it operates while a visibly fails, and the DUAC is operating at an illegal alcohol concentration.
In Michigan, if you are visibly disabled by alcohol or controlled substances, you are charged with OWVI and try to operate a car, but with fewer crimes than OWI. In South Carolina, the term DUAC is used in place of DWI. The distinction between DUI and DUAC in South Carolina is that DUAC focuses on driver failure levels at BAC level, whereas DUAC charging is associated with BAC levels above 0.08%.
Potential outcomes of DWI or DUI in each state
After being convicted of a DUI or DWI, you can face major consequences such as fines, licences, suspension of registration, and even prison hours. However, the specific penalties collected will depend on many factors, such as the state you were convicted, whether this is your first alcohol-related traffic offense, if you had a child in the car with you, and how much your blood alcohol level was.
In most cases, DUI penalties include financial fines, suspension of driving privileges, and less prison time. You may also need to participate in alcohol or drug education programs or install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle to prevent future crime. Additional penalties may be present if you cause damage, injury or death to your property while driving under the influence.
As traffic laws are constantly evolving, it is important to stay abreast of changes to state laws. Therefore, a state DMV may be the best source of updates on a state’s specific DUI penalty. If you are charged with a DWI, DUI, or other violation, you can contact your attorney to allow you to navigate the process.
Do DUI and DWI affect my premiums?
The exact impact of a DUI or DWI conviction on auto insurance depends on your career and other valuation factors, but you can almost always expect a premium to increase after this type of violation. Driving under the influence is a risky behavior that can lead to accidents and claims, so your insurance company will likely increase your premiums and make up for the increased chances of paying future claims on your behalf.
Additionally, your insurance company may consider you a high-risk driver after you are convicted of a DUI or DWI. In this case, you may be forced to refuse to renew your policy and seek insurance elsewhere. Finding cheap car insurance can make you shop, and high-risk driver insurance is usually much more expensive than standard or favorable risk drivers.
According to average premium data from Quadrant Information Services as of January 2025, the average cost of car insurance in the US before a DUI conviction is $2,628 per year for full coverage and $767 per year for state minimums. However, for drivers convicted of DUI or DWI, coverage costs will be $5,106 and $1,511, respectively. This is a 94% to 97% increase for a single conviction.
Finally, your license may be suspended after a DUI or DWI, and your state may require you to carry a Financial Responsibility Certificate (SR-22) to restore it. SR-22 is a form filed with the DMV by your insurance company and certifies you maintain the minimum automobile insurance coverage required for your state. The SR-22 should not directly affect premiums, but small fees are usually associated with filing (usually between $25 and $50). Additionally, some states require you to carry at least twice the minimum liability limits required by your state, in addition to SR-22, and these higher limits will increase your rate. In Florida and Virginia, the form you need to submit to ensure you have this additional coverage is called FR-44.
FAQ
Methodology
Using Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate analyzes all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington January 2025 rates and is weighted based on population density for each geographical region. The cited fees are based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with clean driving records, good credits and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 per person physical injury liability
- $300,000 for each accident
- Liability for property damages of $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured driver physical injury for $100,000 per person
- Uninsured driver’s physical injury for $300,000 per accident
- $500 collision deduction possible
- Comprehensive $500 deduction
To determine the minimum coverage limit, bank rates used minimum coverage to meet the requirements of each state. Our base profile driver owns a 2023 Toyota Camry, commutes five days a week and drives 12,000 miles a year.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparison purposes only.
Incident: Rates were calculated by assessing the base profile by applying the following incidents: Clean Record (Base), Single DUI Conviction.
