DUI vs. DWI vs. OVI: All of the DUI Acronyms Explained

Were you an ace at language arts in school, or were your talents more with numbers or sports? Even for those who mastered English and wrote A+ essays, the world of DUI acronyms can seem like an alphabet soup. But if you’ve been arrested for impaired driving, it’s important to understand these acronyms and how they affect your case. So let’s dive in.

All DUI Acronyms You Should Know

Different states use different acronyms for impaired driving offenses. Sometimes there are different levels depending on the amount of alcohol in your system. Sometimes they wanted to make sure that drug offenses were clearly included. Others use OVI acronyms to make sure it’s clear that it includes operating any form of motor vehicle (not just driving a car). That’s led to a lot of different DUI acronyms, including:

• APC: Actual Physical Control
• BUI: Boating Under the Influence
• DUI: Driving Under the Influence
• DUI-D: Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• DWAI: Driving While Ability Impaired
• DWI: Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired
• OUI: Operating Under the Influence
• OUID: Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
• OUIL: Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
• OVI: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated or Impaired
• OVUII: Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant
• OWI: Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired
• OWVI: Operating While Visibly Impaired
• OMVWI: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired/Intoxicated
• RAR: Reckless Driving–Alcohol Related
• UOWI: Underage Operating While Intoxicated

The important thing to know is that no matter what it’s called, driving drunk or under the influence of drugs is a serious crime in every state.

Most Important DUI Acronyms in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the main acronyms are DUI, DUI-D, DWI, and APC. There are other charges within these types of DUIs, but these are the main ones.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

DUI includes operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Oklahoma, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving is 0.08. This means if your BAC is 0.08 or higher, you can be arrested for DUI, whether you were driving a car, truck, tractor, off-road vehicle, motorized scooter, or e-bike.

DUI-D (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs)

A DUI-Drugs (DUI-D) is when you’re operating a motor vehicle with an intoxicating substance other than alcohol in your system. There is no “legal” limit for these substances–any amount can get you arrested for DUI-D. The substance also doesn’t have to be illegal. While common illegal drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, and heroin are included, prescription drugs like painkillers, sleeping medication, and medical marijuana still count.

DWI (Driving While Impaired)

In Oklahoma, a DWI is essentially a less severe drunk driving offense than a DUI. It’s when your BAC registers between 0.06 and 0.08. It carries similar, but less severe, penalties as a DUI. However, one of the main differences between a DUI and DWI is that a DWI stays a misdemeanor no matter how many times you’re charged with it. A DUI becomes a felony on your second offense within 10 years.

APC (or Actual Physical Control)

Actual physical control (APC) is an interesting DUI acronym that a lot of people don’t know about. It has a broad definition that essentially includes any time you’re intoxicated inside your vehicle. If you have the ability to operate the vehicle—for example, if you have the keys in your pocket—and you’re intoxicated, you could be charged with APC.

Even More Acronyms You Should Know

You don’t just need to know the differences between charges in Oklahoma. There are a lot more DUI acronyms to know, like:

• ADSAC: Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses—one of the classes you have to take when you get a DUI.
• BAC: Blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration. This is the amount of alcohol in your system as measured by a breathalyzer.
• Service Oklahoma: Oklahoma administrative agency responsible for suspending and reinstating driver’s licenses.
• DUS/DUR: Driving Under Suspension or Driving Under Revocation. This means driving without a valid license, and you can be arrested and charged.
• IID: Ignition interlock device. It’s a small device like a breathalyzer, which prevents you from starting your car if you’ve been drinking.
• SFST: Standard Field Sobriety Test—a series of tests an officer can ask you to take if they suspect you’re driving impaired.
• OR: Own recognizance. You could be "released on your own recognizance" after a DUI arrest, especially for a first-time DUI. It means you can go home to await your hearings without paying bail.
• VIP: Victim Impact Panel—another course you have to complete after a DUI that involves hearing from victims of impaired driving.

Why DUI Acronyms Matter

It might just seem like nonsense, but it’s important to understand the different legal implications of DUI acronyms. For example, a DUI is worse than a DWI in Oklahoma, but not necessarily in other states. A DUI-D is the same as a DUI, but for drugs. And you can even be arrested if you’re not driving, known as an APC. Knowing all the acronyms can also help you understand what happens after your DUI and follow along as your case goes through the court system. Your attorney will be able to help you, of course, but educating yourself can go a long way toward learning from your DUI.

The Bottom Line

Whether a state calls it a DUI, OUI, or OVI, driving while impaired is a serious offense. Here in Oklahoma, we generally use the acronyms DUI and DWI, but there are plenty more that you should know—especially if you’ve been arrested. If you’re facing charges for DUI, DUI-D, DWI, or APC, we can help you get the best outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.