| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While | | | | number of DUI convictions are a primary determinant in |
| Intoxicated (DWI) laws vary according to the state of | | | | the severity of the penalty. Initial offenses may carry a |
| the offense. The most important factor surrounding | | | | penalty of a fine and mandatory attendance at a DUI |
| any of these laws is that the repercussions are | | | | traffic school or seminar. Repeat offenders may be |
| generally steep and severe. Due to the rash of | | | | subject to more severe penalties up to and including |
| drunken driving fatalities in the past half century or so, | | | | permanent removal of his or her driver's license. |
| most states have enacted harsh penalties for anyone | | | | Generally license suspension and revocation occurs |
| caught drinking and driving. | | | | for repeat offenders. Most states have implemented a |
| The DUI laws of each state define a level at which an | | | | comprehensive system of monitoring the driving |
| individual is considered intoxicated. Although these | | | | privileges for an individual who has had his or her |
| levels may vary slightly, for the most part, this level | | | | license suspended but who has been granted limited |
| does not exceed .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). Any | | | | driving rights. These individuals must generally employ |
| individual caught driving with a BAC higher than the | | | | the use of a breathalyzer system that has been |
| state has defined as the point of intoxication may be | | | | installed in their vehicle and that locks the ignition if the |
| subject to fines, license suspension or revocation, and | | | | individual fails the breathalyzer requirements. |
| even jail time. The severity of the offense and the | | | | |