If you’ve ever heard the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), you may be confused about the legal implications of each. While they are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings in Texas law, and understanding the difference can help you avoid serious legal consequences.

What is DWI in Texas?

In Texas, the term DWI refers to “Driving While Intoxicated” and is the legal term used for impaired driving. According to Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, a person can be charged with a DWI if they are operating a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, which means they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

To be specific, a person is legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08%. However, a person can also be charged with DWI even if their BAC is under 0.08%, as long as they are impaired due to drugs, prescription medication, or other substances.

What is DUI in Texas?

On the other hand, DUI in Texas has a more specific meaning. It stands for “Driving Under the Influence” and is an offense charged to minors (anyone under 21 years old) who are caught driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Under Texas law, minors cannot have any alcohol in their system while driving. This is known as the zero-tolerance policy.

Unlike DWI, which applies to adults, DUI in Texas is only relevant to minors and is typically charged when a minor is found driving with even trace amounts of alcohol in their system—regardless of whether they are impaired. The law does not require the minor to be visibly impaired; any measurable amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge.

Zero-Tolerance Policy for Minors

Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for minors caught drinking and driving. Under this policy, if a driver under the age of 21 is pulled over and found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they can be charged with a DUI. It’s important to note that no BAC threshold is required for a DUI charge against a minor—simply having alcohol in the body, even in trace amounts, is enough to violate the law.

In contrast, adults (21 years and older) can only be charged with a DWI if they are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or if their BAC exceeds 0.08%. This is why DUI in Texas is often seen as a minor offense because it is primarily directed at underage drivers.

DWI vs. DUI: Which Is Worse?

In Texas, a DWI is generally considered a more serious offense than DUI. Here’s why:

DWI

DWI is governed by the Texas Penal Code and is classified as a criminal offense. The penalties for a DWI can include jail time, large fines, probation, and a suspension of your driver’s license.

For a first offense, penalties can include a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year. Repeat offenders may face harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.

DUI

DUI, on the other hand, is typically charged under the Texas Traffic Code and is a less severe offense.

A DUI charge for a minor can lead to fines up to $500, a 60-day suspension of the driver’s license, and mandatory alcohol awareness classes. While the penalties for a DUI may seem less severe, they can still have lasting consequences for the minor’s driving record and future.

The key difference here is that DWI charges are more serious because they apply to adults and carry harsher legal consequences. Additionally, DWI offenses are based on impairment, which can be caused by both alcohol and drugs, making it a more broadly applicable charge.

Penalties for DWI and DUI in Texas

The penalties for a DWI in Texas can be severe, particularly for first-time offenders. Let’s take a closer look at the penalties for each offense:

Penalties for DWI:

• First Offense:
• A fine of up to $2,000.
• Jail time ranging from 3 days to 180 days.
• Driver’s license suspension of up to 1 year.
• Second Offense:
• Fines and jail time increase.
• Longer driver’s license suspension
• Third or Subsequent Offenses:
• May result in a third-degree felony charge.
• Longer jail sentences, higher fines, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs.

Penalties for DUI (Minors Under 21):

• First Offense:
• A fine of up to $500.
• 60-day suspension of the minor’s driver’s license.
• Community service of 20 to 40 hours.
• Mandatory alcohol awareness classes.
• Subsequent Offenses:
• The penalties increase with each subsequent DUI offense, including longer license suspensions, larger fines, and additional community service hours.

Conclusion: Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Whether you’re facing a DUI or DWI charge in Texas, it’s critical to understand the seriousness of these offenses and the potential penalties you may face. If you or someone you know is dealing with a DUI or DWI charge, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.