Nowadays practically everybody knows someone who has already been arrested at least once for a DUI offense. Although it is so common, it is surprising that this phrase is often misunderstood and people can't really say for sure just what DUI is.
The abbreviation DUI stands for "Driving Under the Influence." More commonly, people refer to it as drunk driving. However, that is not necessarily an appropriate meaning because a DUI does not simply refer to alcohol which drunk driving implies. A DUI can actually refer to alcohol, but also other drugs legal and illicit. Additionally, people may thing that you can only get a DUI while driving a car, but that is not true. In fact, a DUI can be given for those driving cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and even planes.
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.
If you go behind the wheel of a car be sure you know what other things fall under the DUI category. It is not alcohol alone but also illegal drugs and many prescription ones that warn of "operating machinery." All can lead to a DUI conviction.
One way that you never dreamed you could risk a DUI is from your cough syrup and cold medicine. These often time have an alcohol content and if too much is taken could reap a DUI for you.
Once you have been arrested for a DUI, you have a variety of consequences that you could be facing. Again, as each state has different rules you cannot expect the same consequences from state to state. However, some of the most common punishments include fines, license suspensions and restrictions, probation, and even jail time.
If you are arrested and charged with DUI then also expect a nasty surprise from your vehicle insurance company. This is because by a conviction you are required to file a SR-22 and once that is done then your insurance company can actually choose to drop you. You are also immediately after filing that form harder to insure and seen as more of a risk than others. That in turn leads to higher premiums or possibly even higher deductibles.
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