Dui Terminology

• DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles. These state agencies record all driving convictions. These records can be accessed by insurance companies and law enforcement agencies to check a driver's record.
• SR22 Bonds - Currently required in 49 states. This bond is an administrative form that certifies that a driver with a DWI /DUI conviction is covered by an insurance company meeting the state's minimal liability coverage. This bond must be registered with the state's DMV and must comply with the DMV's requirements.
• OWI - Operating While Impaired. This is the term used by law enforcement personnel that describes drivers under the influence of any mind altering product.
• DWI - Driving While Impaired. In some states interchangeable with DUI. A serious crime in all 50 states.
• DUI - Driving Under the influence. Interchangeable with DWI in many states. A serious crime in all states.
• Interlock Ignition System - A system installed in vehicles requiring the operator to take a breathalyzer test in order to access the ignition. Often required by courts for DUI/DWI offenders.
• BAC - Blood alcohol concentration. - BAC refers to the ratio of alcohol to blood in the system. All 50 states adopted BAC laws in May 2007.
• Breathalyzer - A portable machine used by law enforcement personnel to measure the BAC of a motor vehicle operator driving in an erratic or dangerous manner.
• DUI auto insurance - Similar to an SR22 bond, DUI auto insurance is an expensive, high-risk policy for convicted DUI offenders.
• DUI record impingement - A sealing of a record by a county courthouse. Only attainable in certain states and after a time of compliance with all state laws.
• Arraignment - For many DUI/DWI offenders, the arraignment is when the offender appears before the judge and charges are presented. The offender can declare guilty or not guilty. At this time, the offender can be accompanied by an attorney. In some states, when the offender hires an attorney in advance of the arraignment, a settlement can be reached between the attorney and the District Attorney.
• Probation - The period of time set by the court that permits convicted criminals, including those guilty of DUI/DWI charges, to remain out of jail but on good behavior. Persons on probation must report to a probation officer on a regular basis.
• License revocation - Can be imposed by the court or the DMV. All driving privileges are suspended. Violators can re-apply for the right to obtain a license after a defined period of time.
• Implied consent - Not applicable to all 50 states. If a driver's license is from a state with Implied Consent Laws, the driver can refuse a blood alcohol concentration test, but the state can impose high fines. In these states, police must have probable cause to stop a vehicle.
• Conditional License - A license granted by the court on condition of meeting specific terms. Once all terms have been met, the standard license is usually re-instated. Any violation of the terms results in an immediate revocation of the driver's license.
• Driver Responsibility Tax - A tax imposed by some states where a driver is convicted of DUI charges. This amount of the tax is in addition to any fines and court costs. This provision is gaining wider appeal.