Understanding what drunk driving is

What is drunk driving?

In some states drivers who are arrested for drunk driving may be charged with a DWI or driving while impaired. Some states may also differentiate between DWI (driving while impaired) and DUI (driving under the influence), which can be a lesser charge. In these states a driver may be arrested for drunk driving but may be able to plead their DWI charge down to a DUI charge if their blood alcohol level is below a certain limit at the time of the arrest, they are a first time offender, and they show remorse for their actions.

How a police officer might determine that you are driving drunk

A law enforcement officer may arrest a driver for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating [a motor vehicle] While Intoxicated (OWI). Which term is used depends on the individual state, but each of the three terms means basically the same thing. An officer makes the determination that a driver is drunk based on observations of the driver.

Behind the wheel - did the driver obey all posted traffic laws, did the driver stay in their own lane, is the driver operating the vehicle at posted speed or driving too fast or too slow?
After behing pulled over - can the driver recite the ABCs, how is the drivers balance? Can the driver horizontally track an object using the Nystagmus Test? Can the driver walk smoothly, heel to heel, along a straight line? Can the driver do the finger to nose test? Is the driver able to simply stand still without leaning over to catch their balance?

These are just a few signs a police officer may see to help in determining if you are drunk driving or not.