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DUI Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Everyone knows that drinking and driving is not a good practice. First, it is dangerous. Thousands of people are killed each year by drunk drivers, and even more are seriously injured. Second, drunken driving is illegal in all 50 states. This means that even if you are lucky enough to escape from your drunk driving incident without injuring yourself or others, you likely will be charged with a crime. Each state treats drunk driving differently. Sometimes it's called Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Operating Under the Influence (OUI). The links below have some general guidelines about DUI and other related crimes, as well as links to the DUI laws in each state.

Learn About DUI Laws

  • State-by-State DUI Penalties

    This article has a handy overview of drunk driving penalties, including license suspensions and the use of ignition interlock devices, in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia.

  • Comparing State DUI Laws

    This chart shows the most relevant information about druken driving laws in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. Here you will find the blood-alcohol limits for both legal and underage drinkers, as well as whether each state has “implied consent" laws.

  • Dram Shop Laws

    Article providing a brief explanation of laws that hold bars and liquor stores liable for injuries caused by their intoxicated customers.

  • Per Se DUI Laws

    Do you think it's okay to drive even after one or two drinks? If your state has "per se" laws, then the police will disagree. Find out more in this article.

  • Underage DUI: Zero Tolerance

    Drunken driving fatalities are even more tragic when they involve children and teenagers. This article some useful information on zero tolerance laws, and how they help law enforcement prevent drunken driving.

  • DUI Attorney Directory

    Use this handy directory of drunk driving (DUI/DWI) attorneys to search for a lawyer by state, county, metropolitan area, or city.

DUI Laws Articles

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex DUI situations usually require a lawyer
  • DUI defense attorneys can challenge Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer or blood test results
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate DUI penalties
  • A lawyer can help get your license back

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