What is the difference: DWI vs. DUI?
Comparing DWI vs. DUI is like comparing apples to apples. Some states don't differentiate between DWI and DUI. If you were looking for DWI vs. DUI car insurance rates, you'd find that insurance companies treat both offenses the same. DUI auto insurance rates are 37% more expensive than average. Shop around and compare multiple insurance companies to get the best deal for DWI and DUI-convicted drivers.
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Written by
Chris Tepedino |
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Reviewed by
Laura Walker
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UPDATED: Jun 28, 2022
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 28, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Each state has different penalties for DUI
- DUI fines and fees can reach up to $5,000 in some states
- Depending on where you live, drunk or drugged driving may be referred to as DUI or DWI or even OWI (Operating While Impaired)
Did you know that there is a difference between DWI and DUI? DWI versus DUI depends on the state where you live. Some areas in the United States refer to it as DWI, while others reference DUI.
But what is DWI vs. DUI in Texas? What about DWI vs. DUI in California? Don’t worry — we’re here to help.
Our guide has everything you need to know about DWI versus DUI, how much DWI and DUI affect car insurance, and which states use OWI and OUI.
Continue reading to learn more about car insurance for those DWI versus those DUI. Enter your ZIP code above to compare multiple insurance companies using our free online quote tool.
What is the difference between DWI and DUI?
DWI means driving while intoxicated (or impaired), but DUI stands for driving under the influence.
DUI charges are usually issued when a person is caught driving over the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit.
Meanwhile, DWI charges are presented to drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of either prescription drugs or recreational substances.
DWI vs. DUI: Which is worse?
Each state references DWI and DUI differently. In other words, some states may convict a guilty driver with DUI regardless of the substance.
Both are equally bad news for your driving record and car insurance rates.
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What are the DWI and DUI state laws?
Every state in the nation defines DWI and DUI differently. Some similarities are shared between states, but laws are presented in a unique way for each area in the country.
Let’s look at a few examples to determine how various states define DWI and DUI.
DWI vs. DUI in Texas
Texas is one of many states with zero tolerance for DUI. Minors convicted of DUI usually have lighter sentences, regardless of the BAC limit.
Texas charges DWI-convicted drivers over the age of 21 with strict penalties, such as fines, community service, and possible jail time.
DWI vs. DUI in Virginia
Virginia doesn’t distinguish between DWI and DUI. The state’s law enforcement uses both terms interchangeably. More DWI/DUI offenses on your driving record mean higher fines and longer sentences.
DWI vs. DUI in North Carolina
North Carolina uses DWI and DUI to identify drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other recreational substances. A person can receive a DWI charge even when not driving.
Penalties depend on levels. Levels range from one to five (known as Aggravated Level one to Aggravated Level five), where level one is the most severe).
Any person who gives keys to someone who is impaired will be charged with aiding and abetting a DWI individual.
DWI vs. DUI in New York
The state of New York utilizes DWI and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). DWAI is usually a lesser charge and typically convicts drivers with a BAC limit of 0.05% – 0.07%.
Both DWAI and DWI can land you in jail, depending on the severity of the crime.
DWI vs. DUI in California
California has a strict no-tolerance law for minors who commit a DUI offense. Any driver with an active driver’s license is subject to a BAC test, if a police officer suspects that they are intoxicated.
A person who has a BAC limit of 0.08% or above, while driving a motor vehicle, will be charged with DUI. But drivers who drive under the influence of drugs are charged with DWI.
DWI vs. DUI in Missouri
Missouri is another state that doesn’t differentiate between DWI and DUI. Instead of DWI, Missouri references DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs).
What are the penalties for DWI vs. DUI?
State laws and penalties vary for each state. For example, Arkansas has different penalties for DUI than Colorado. But all states are harsh on drivers who commit multiple DWIs or DUIs.
Let’s examine the DWI and DUI penalties for each state.
| State | Type | First offense | Second offense | Subsequent offenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | DUI | Up to $2,100 in fines, up to a year in jail, and/or 90-day license suspension | Up to $5,100 in fines, up to a year in jail, and 45-day minimum license suspension | N/A |
| Alaska | DUI | $1,500 minimum fine, 72 hours in jail, and minimum 90-day license suspension | 20 day imprisonment, minimum $3,000 fine, and license suspension for minimum of one year (within 15 years of the first DUI) | 60 day imprisonment, minimum $4,000 fine, and license suspension for minimum of three years (within 15 years of the second DUI) |
| Arizona | DUI | Minimum $250 fine and up to 10 days in jail | $500 base fine and up to 90 days in jail | $750 base fine and 4 month minimum incarceration |
| Arkansas | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to a year in jail, 6-month license suspension, and alcohol treatment | Up to $3,000 in fines, up to a year in jail, 2-year license suspension, and alcohol treatment | Maximum penalty considered a felony |
| California | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, 6 month license suspension, and DUI school | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to a year in jail, one year license suspension, and DUI school or SB 38 | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to a year in jail, 2 years license suspension, and traffic school |
| Colorado | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, 9 month license suspension, community service, and DMV points | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, one year license suspension, community service, and DMV points | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, 2 year license suspension, community service, and DMV points |
| Connecticut | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines; up to one year in prison | Up to $1,000 in fines; up to 2 years in prison | Up to $1,000 in fines; up to 3 years in prison |
| Delaware | DUI | $1,500 minimum fine, up to one year in jail, and up to 2 year license suspension | $2,500 minimum fine, minimum 18 months in jail, and up to 30 months license suspension | $2,500 minimum fine, minimum 18 months in jail, and up to 30 months license suspension |
| District of Columbia | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, and up to 6 months license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, and up to one year license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and up to 2 years license suspension |
| Florida | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, and up to 3 years license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 9 months in jail, and up to 5 years license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and up to 10 years license suspension |
| Georgia | DUI | Minimum $300 in fines, up to 10 days in jail, possible license suspension, community service | Minimum $1,000 in fines, up to 1 year in jail, one year license suspension, community service | Minimum $5,000 in fines, up to 1 year in jail, 5 years license suspension, community service |
| Hawaii | DUI, DWI | Minimum $1,000 in fines, up to 5 days in jail, one-year license suspension, community service, rehab | Minimum $3,000 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, 3 years license suspension, community service, rehab | Minimum $5,000 in fines, minimum 10 days in jail, up to 5 year license suspension, community service, rehab |
| Idaho | DUI | Minimum $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, three month license suspension | Minimum $2,000 in fines, up to five years in jail, one year license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 10 years in jail, up to five years license suspension |
| Illinois | DUI | Maximum $2,500 in fines, maximum one year in jail, one-year license suspension, community service | Maximum $2,500 in fines, maximum one year in jail, 5 years license suspension, community service | Maximum $25,000 in fines, maximum 7 years in jail, 10 years license suspension, community service |
| Indiana | DUI | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and up to 180 days license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 3 years in jail, and up to 2 years license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 3 years in jail, and up to 10 years license suspension |
| Iowa | DUI, DWI, OWI | Up to $1,250 in fines, up to one year in jail, and up to one year license suspension | Up to $6,250 in fines, up to 2 years in jail, and up to 2 years license suspension | Up to $9,375 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, and up to 6 years license suspension |
| Kansas | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 2 days in jail, 90 day license suspension, and alcohol treatment | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, one year license suspension, and alcohol treatment | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, one year license suspension, and alcohol treatment |
| Kentucky | DUI, DWI | Up to $500 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, 120 day license suspension, community service, rehab | Up to $500 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, 18 month license suspension, community service, rehab | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, 36 month license suspension, community service, rehab |
| Louisiana | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, community service, rehab | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, community service, rehab | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, community service, rehab |
| Maine | DUI, DWI | Up to $500 in fines and up to 150 days license suspension | Up to $900 in fines, 12 days in jail, and up to 3 year license suspension | Up to $1,400 in fines, up to 40 days in jail, and up to 6 years license suspension |
| Maryland | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and up to 6 month license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 2 years in jail, and up to one year license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, and up to one year license suspension |
| Massachusetts | DUI | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 2.5 years in jail, and up to 90 day license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 2.5 years in jail, and up to 2 year license suspension | Up to $15,000 in fines, up to 2.5 years in jail, and up to 8 years license suspension |
| Michigan | OWI, OWVI | Up to $500 in fines, up to 93 days in jail, community service | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, community service | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, community service |
| Minnesota | DUI | Up to $3,000 in fines, up to one year in jail | Up to $3,000 in fines, up to one year in jail | Up to $14,000 in fines, up to 7 years in jail for felony |
| Mississippi | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 48 hours in jail, up to one year license suspension, and driver education | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to 1 year in jail, and up to 2 year license suspension, community service, rehab | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, and up to 5 year license suspension, community service |
| Missouri | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to 30 day license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 5 years license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 4 years in jail, up to 10 year license suspension |
| Montana | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to 6 month license suspension, rehab, driver education | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to one year license suspension, rehab, driver education | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to one year license suspension, rehab, driver education |
| Nebraska | DUI, DWI | Up to $500 in fines, up to 60 days in jail, up to 6 months license suspension | Up to $500 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, up to 18 month license suspension | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 15 year license suspension |
| Nevada | DUI, DWI | Up to $400 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, minimum 185 day license suspension | Up to $750 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, one year license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 6 years in jail, 3 years license suspension |
| New Hampshire | DUI, DWI | Up to $1.200 in fines, minimum 2 year license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, minimum 3 year license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, lifetime license suspension |
| New Jersey | DUI, DWI | Up to $500 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, minimum 3 month license suspension, driver education, community service | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 90 days in jail, minimum 2 year license suspension, driver education, community service | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, minimum 10 year license suspension, driver education, community service |
| New Mexico | DUI, DWI | Up to $500 in fines, up to 90 days in jail, community service | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 364 days in jail, community service | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 364 days in jail, community service |
| New York | DUI | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, minimum one year license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 4 years in jail, minimum 18 month license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 7 years in jail, minimum 19 month license suspension |
| North Carolina | DUI, DWI | Level-based | Level-based | Level-based |
| North Dakota | Up to $750 in fines, up to 2 days in jail, minimum 3 month license suspension, community service, rehab | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to 10 days in jail, minimum one year license suspension, community service, rehab | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 120 days in jail, minimum one year license suspension, community service, rehab | |
| Ohio | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,075 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to 3 years license suspension | Up to $1,625 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to 7 years license suspension | Up to $2,750 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 12 years license suspension |
| Oklahoma | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 180 days license suspension | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 10 years in jail, up to 3 years license suspension |
| Oregon | N/A | Up to $6,250 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $10.000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 3 years license suspension | Up to $125,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to permanent license suspension |
| Pennsylvania | DUI | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to 18 months license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to 18 months license suspension |
| Rhode Island | DUI | Over $1,200 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to one year license suspension, community service, rehab | Over $1,750 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 2 years license suspension, community service, rehab | Over $5,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to 3 year license suspension, community service, rehab |
| South Carolina | DUI, DUAC | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 90 days in jail, 6 month license suspension | Up to $6,500 in fines, up to 3 years in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to 4 year license suspension |
| South Dakota | DUI, DWI | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, minimum one year license suspension | Up to $4,000 in fines, up to 2 years in jail, minimum one year license suspension |
| Tennessee | DUI | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to 7 days in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $3,500 in fines, up to nearly one year in jail, up to 2 years license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to nearly one year in jail, up to 10 year license suspension |
| Texas | DUI, DWI | Up to $4,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to one year license suspension | Up to $4,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 2 years license suspension | Up to $10,000 in fines, up to 10 years in jail, up to 2 years license suspension |
| Utah | DUI, DWI | Up to $1,310 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, up to 120 day license suspension | Up to $1,560 in fines, up to 10 days in jail, up to 2 year license suspension | Up to $2,580 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, up to 2 years license suspension |
| Vermont | DUI, DWI | Up to $750 in fines, up to 2 years in jail | Up to $1,500 in fines, up to 2 years in jail | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to 5 years in jail |
| Virginia | DUI, DWI | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, one year license suspension | Up to $2,500 in fines up to one year in jail, 3 year license suspension | Up to $2,500 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, indefinite license suspension |
| Washington | DUI | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 2 year license suspension, rehab | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 3 year license suspension, rehab | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to 4 year license suspension, rehab |
| West Virginia | DUI | Up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, up to 6 months license suspension | Up to $3,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, 10 year license suspension | Up to $5,000 in fines, up to 5 years in jail, permanent license suspension |
| Wisconsin | OWI | Up to $300 in fines | Up to $1,100 in fines, up to 6 months in jail | Up to $2,000 in fines, up to one year in jail |
| Wyoming | DUI, DWI | Up to $750 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, 90 day license suspension | Up to $750 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, one year license suspension | Up to $3,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, 3 year license suspension |
Penalties become increasingly difficult the more you commit DWI or DUI offenses. You’ll also notice that some states use OWI and OUI. Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan reference OWI instead of DWI. OWI stands for operating while intoxicated, and OUI means operating under the influence.
Expect a DWI or DUI offense to accompany a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Drivers who retain their licenses are required to obtain an SR-22 certification.
How do DWI and DUI impact car insurance rates?
Some auto insurance companies may provide different rates for DWI and DUI offenses. But don’t count on DWI vs. DUI car insurance quotes being different.
Drivers convicted of DWI or DUI will pay 37% – 80% more for auto insurance.
You may not find DWI vs. DUI car insurance rates, but you can see how either conviction can affect your access to affordable rates.
Let’s review how much auto insurance costs when you have a DUI conviction.
| Insurance Company | Average Monthly Rates | Average Rates After a DUI | Percent Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $179 | $406 | 127% |
| Nationwide | $229 | $379 | 66% |
| State Farm | $235 | $303 | 29% |
| Progressive | $283 | $331 | 17% |
| Travelers | $287 | $478 | 67% |
| Farmers | $288 | $393 | 36% |
| Allstate | $318 | $522 | 64% |
| Liberty Mutual | $398 | $634 | 59% |
We compared DUI car insurance rates with speeding infractions and accidents to give you an idea of how much DUI affects your policy.
USAA, State Farm, and Progressive are the best insurance companies for drivers who have a DWI or DUI on their driving record.
How do I save money on DWI and DUI car insurance?
Several factors determine whether affordable DWI vs. DUI car insurance is available to you. But the best way to get affordable DUI auto insurance rates is to qualify for multiple discounts. Stacking your deals can save you hundreds of dollars.
We recommend that you compare multiple companies before you buy DWI versus DUI car insurance.
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DWI vs. DUI Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
DWI and DUI may be defined differently in some areas, but some states don’t bother to separate the two. Zero-tolerance states usually have harsher sentences and fines for drivers who violate road laws.
Auto insurance companies follow the same trend, by issuing more expensive rates or not providing coverage at all, for high-risk drivers with DWI or DUI convictions.
Now that you know the difference between DWI versus DUI, use our free online quote tool below to see multiple quotes from the best insurance companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions: DWI vs. DUI
Are you interested in learning more about DWI versus DUI? Check out these answers to commonly asked questions to learn more about DWI and DUI.
#1 – Will you go to prison after a DWI or DUI conviction?
It depends on the offenses and the amount of DWI and DUI violations you have. You’ll likely be arrested and charged. If you can’t make bail, you’ll go to the county jail until your court hearing.
#2 – What’s the federal BAC limit?
Various states have unique BAC limits. The federal BAC limit is 0.08%.
#3 – What happens when you fail a breathalyzer test?
You’ll get arrested and charged with DWI or DUI, depending on where you live in the United States.
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
|
Written by
Chris Tepedino |
|
Reviewed by
Laura Walker
|