| Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in | | | | then moves to jail time and confiscation of the |
| every state in the country. Everyday, the laws are | | | | vehicle.4- Many states are enacting new DWI laws, |
| getting tougher and the penalties are, in response, | | | | which include child endangerment if a child under the |
| getting stiffer. The DWI laws are changing faster than | | | | age of 16 (for most states) is in the vehicle at the time |
| most people can keep up with them. If you are | | | | of the crime. This includes all children whether or not |
| considering getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while | | | | they belong to the driver.5- Some states are working |
| you are intoxicated, you need to know the seriousness | | | | on passing laws that will make a driver under the |
| of the crime that you are about to commit.1- Every | | | | influence responsible for any type of traffic accident |
| state, with the exception of Massachusetts, has laws | | | | whether or not they were actually at fault. This would |
| on the books that make it a crime to drive while | | | | mean that if you are intoxicated and are hit by another, |
| intoxicated. This usually is defined as having a blood | | | | un-intoxicated, driver who runs a stop sign or crosses |
| alcohol level that is either above or at a predetermined | | | | into your lane, that you would legally be at fault.6- The |
| level, normally 0.10. However, some states have the | | | | laws and penalties in your state may vary. It is always |
| legal limit set lower, most of these are at 0.08 | | | | wise to be aware of your local and state DWI laws |
| percent.2- Several states, forty-two to be exact, have | | | | and how you could be affected by them. These laws |
| a condition that allows offenders that meet certain | | | | can be found on the internet for most states and by |
| criteria to drive if their cars have been outfitted with | | | | visiting your local police station.7- It is so important to |
| ignition locks. These work by locking the ignition until the | | | | realize how devastating the effect of driving while |
| driver submits to an onboard breathalyzer test. If the | | | | intoxicated can be. This crime is easily preventable by |
| test comes back negative, the car is allowed to | | | | calling a taxi, a friend or by just staying home if you |
| start.3- Most states follow the same penalty structure, | | | | are going to be intoxicated. For those who don't make |
| beginning with the suspension of the drivers' license. | | | | these types of arrangements, the DWI laws are |
| This can be done immediately if the suspected driver | | | | getting tougher and law enforcement is intent on doing |
| refuses to submit to a chemical drug or alcohol test at | | | | their job to get them off the road.Visit or to learn more |
| the time of the alleged violation. The penalty phase | | | | about DUI in Illinois and DUI laws. |