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