Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the offense of operating a motor vehicle in a mentally or physically impaired condition caused by taking drugs or consuming an amount of alcohol sufficient to raise one's blood alcohol content above a maximum set by statutory limit. DWI laws set an upper limit for a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) (.08% in California). If the driver's blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, he/she can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). DWI and DUI (Driving Under the
Influence) refer to the crime. See
Driving Under the Influence.