Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is operating a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking mind-altering substances. Many countries have laws prohibiting this. A DWI arrest can result in penalties such as jail time, fines, and license suspension. Tests are conducted to determine alcohol or drug use, and a conviction results in a criminal record. Penalties are more severe for multiple DWI arrests.
When a person is intoxicated (DWI), they usually operate a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking mind-altering substances, such as illegal drugs or certain prescription drugs. Many countries have enacted laws that prohibit people from driving if they have taken these drugs or have ingested a certain amount of alcohol. These laws usually set a numerical limit on how much a person can drink. If a person exceeds the legal limit while operating a vehicle, they may be subject to a DWI arrest by a law enforcement officer.
In some jurisdictions, the term DWI is interchangeable with the term drink driving or DUI. Other jurisdictions distinguish the two terms. In those jurisdictions, a DUI usually refers to operating a motor vehicle after taking mind-altering substances, such as illegal drugs, while a DWI refers to driving while intoxicated.
If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a person is driving under the influence, the officer may pull over the person for the purpose of making a DWI arrest. Before making the arrest, the officer usually gives the driver a sobriety test to find out if the driver has been drinking or taking mind-altering substances. Blood, urine, or breath samples are common types of tests. An officer may also ask a driver to perform a field sobriety test, which evaluates the driver’s physical coordination skills. In many jurisdictions, an officer can make a DWI arrest if a driver refuses to take one of these tests.
If the driver tests positive for alcohol or drug use, the officer usually makes a DWI arrest and takes the driver into custody. The driver is then held in a police station until he can be picked up by another person or until an administrative hearing can be held. In some jurisdictions, your driver’s license is temporarily suspended and your car is impounded for a period of time. After a DWI arrest, the driver usually goes to court, where his or her case is heard by a judge or jury.
A DWI arrest can have significant consequences if a person is formally convicted of DWI. In most jurisdictions, a DWI is considered a misdemeanor and a conviction results in a criminal record. Penalties for a DWI can include jail time, community services, or fines. Additionally, some drivers may lose their license for a period of time and may be required to participate in drunk driver education programs. As a general rule, drunk driving penalties are more severe for drivers who have multiple DWI arrests and convictions.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
