Common DWI Terms

Most people know that DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated,” while DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” However, there are many other common terms related to DWI that drivers should know.

Any person who has been drinking will have a Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. This is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and is measured in percentages. In every state, drivers whose BAC is higher than 0.08% are considered over the limit and can be cited for a DWI. BAC can be measured by breath; officers will use a portable machine called a breathalyzer to measure the BAC. In some cases, the blood or urine of the driver can be used to chemically test BAC, but that is not as quick as a breathalyzer.

The absorption rate of alcohol, which is the speed at which it enters the bloodstream, can be affected by many things including the sex and weight of the drinker and also whether the drinker has eaten any food to slow down the absorption rate. The “burnoff rate” is the metabolizing of alcohol in the body. Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not sober up a drunk person; the only thing that will eliminate alcohol in the body is time, which is why it is so important for anyone who has been drinking NOT to drive.

A police officer may suspect that is driver is drunk if they are swerving, speeding, driving too slowly, or exhibiting other erratic driving behavior. They have the authority to pull the driver over and ask them to perform a Field Sobriety Test, or FST. This is a serious of physical and mental concentration tasks such as walking in a straight line, standing on one foot, reciting the alphabet, etc. While these tests are subjective, they can give the officer probable cause to conduct a breathalyzer test.

In some cases, drivers who are convicted of a DWI will require an Ignition Interlock Device on their car. This instrument is attached to the engine and will require the driver to breathe into it to make sure their BAC is nonexistent before the car will start.