Thomas Jakeway A lawyer who knows Minnesota DWI / DUI & Criminal Law

DUI vs DWI

What is the difference between "DUI" and "DWI"?

DUI - typically means "Driving Under the Influence." This may or may not include a specific alcohol level. All that is required is that the Prosecutor show that the driver was impaired by alcohol.

DWI - typically means "Driving While Intoxicated." Intoxication is usually defined as a prohibited alcohol level (.08 in Minnesota).

To complicate matters, Minnesota uses the term "Impaired Driving" which can be either impairment or a prohibited alcohol level.