Operating Under the Influence


Definition of Operating Under the Influence

Operating under the influence (OUI) refers to the crime of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the United States, operating under the influence is a criminal offense characterized by driving a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.

Operating under the influence is also known as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), and drunk driving.



Operating Under the Influence Explained

Many traffic accidents are caused by drunk drivers. To prevent traffic fatalities caused by intoxicated individuals, most jurisdictions around the world have laws that forbid individuals to drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol. Some states also put minor charges on drivers whose BAC by volume is 0.05% or higher. For commercial drivers in the United States, the legal BAC by volume limit is 0.04%.