What is the difference between DWI, DUI and driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor?
In New Hampshire, DWI and DUI both stand for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. DUI is shorthand for driving while under the influence; DWI is shorthand for driving while intoxicated, which is what the offense was commonly called years ago. Driving while intoxicated, however, is no longer an accurate description, for one does not have to be intoxicated, to be under the influence. In the language of the law, intoxication is a much stronger term, suggesting someone who is drunk, or grossly impaired by alcohol. In order to be under the influence, within the legal meaning of that term, ones ability to drive a motor vehicle only need be impaired to any degree. Today, DUI is the more appropriate abbreviation for the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, although I, and many others in New Hampshire still more commonly use the abbreviation DWI.
