Understanding What A DUI Is

Most people have known or heard of someone they know being arrested for DUI. Though everyone has heard the term "DUI" most do not comprehend exactly what it is.

One misconception is that you can only be cited while driving a car, which is wrong. Operating motorcycles, boats, trucks and planes are subject to DUI charges, also. DUI means "Driving Under the Influence", but many refer to it as drunk driving and that is not correct. Drunk driving is alcohol related whereas DUI involves other drugs legal, or not.

DUI is treated as a criminal offense and with it come severe consequences. First off, when you are driving under the influence it is not only your life or well being at risk but other people on the road, also. Also when you take the written test to get your driver's license you are asked questions about it so you have an understanding of the consequences.

Typically, a DUI is determined by your Blood Alcohol Content or BAC. However, that is not the only way that you can be convicted of a DUI. The legal limits vary from state to state so you need to be sure that you are aware of what your local limits are.

Again though, not only traditional alcoholic beverages can lead to your conviction of DUI. If you are under the influence of illicit drugs, you are impaired and should not be driving. Some prescription drugs indicate that you should not operate machinery while taking them. If you choose to get behind the wheel then you may be putting yourself and others at risk.

There are also some strange ways to get a DUI and in some cases you will be surprised that such an offense can come from the use of a supposedly harmless product. Good examples of this are cough syrups and cold medicines. However, it is logical if you think about it since they do have alcohol as an ingredient and if you take too much then it is possible for your BAC to be above the legal limit.

It is hard to say what the consequences of a DUI are since the states do have their own sets of laws. Common punishments are suspended driver's licenses or restrictions, probation, fines or time in jail.

If is also worth noting that if you are arrested for a DUI you are most likely in for a surprise with your insurance premiums. When you are convicted, you will have to file an SR-22, and your insurance may elect to drop you. Additionally, you have instantly become harder to insure. You are a bigger risk for the company so you will have to pay higher premiums and most likely a higher deductible.