What is a DWI? (Definition + Consequences in 2026)

What is a DWI? DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated.” The DWI meaning is applied only to intoxication by alcohol, unlike a DUI, which applies to drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

You will be charged with a DWI if you’re caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. If you have a DWI on your driving record, you can expect your auto insurance rates to increase. Learn the key DWI vs. DUI differences.

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Understanding the Meaning of a DWI

What does a DWI mean? DWI refers to a drunk driving offense, which means “driving while intoxicated.” Facing DWI charges means your BAC was .08%, and you were legally drunk while driving.

What does DWI mean in law? In law, DWI has two meanings: administrative and criminal. DWI still means “driving while intoxicated,” but how this definition is handled is very different. 

First, the administrative DWI meaning applies to your driver’s license. In this case, DWI means you will lose your license. For example, failing or refusing to take a breathalyzer or chemical sobriety test for DWI will automatically result in a loss of license. 

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Second, the criminal definition of DWI applies to the legal consequences of the charge. In this case, DWI could mean going to jail or paying a fine. Criminal definitions of DWI can vary by state, but you could face felony charges if you have more than one DWI. Learn what a DUI is along with its implications.

Differences Between DWI and DUI

The difference between DWI and DUI rests mainly with the criminal definition. Drivers will lose their licenses with either a DUI or DWI charge but face different criminal repercussions depending on what substances are in their systems at the time of arrest.

In this case, the DWI meaning applies only to alcohol intoxication, while DUI refers to drug or alcohol intoxication or a combination of the two. 

Depending on your state, you may face both DWI and criminal drug charges if charged with a DUI. However, some states use DUI and DWI interchangeably.

So, if you’re facing charges for driving while intoxicated, get in touch with a lawyer who can help you better understand the auto insurance laws in your state and the legal options available to you.

The Impact of a DWI on Auto Insurance

Once you’re charged with a DWI, you cannot reinstate your license or legally drive again until you file an SR-22 auto insurance form with your local DMV. The SR-22 proves that you carry the minimum levels of car insurance to drive after license revocation.

Filing SR-22 moves you into the high-risk category for auto insurance. High-risk drivers pay more than double the standard rates for car insurance, and DUI insurance rates are some of the most expensive. This table shows how DWI auto insurance rates compare to other driving-related offenses:

Auto Insurance Average Rate Increase by Driving Violation

Along with expensive rates, DWIs can stay on your record for five years or more. This means that auto insurance companies that look back further than three years will continue to charge you for high-risk auto insurance. 

Is cheap auto insurance with a DWI possible? However, reinstating your license after a DWI is long and expensive. It will be a few years before you start to see your auto insurance rates drop. So, get quotes from at least three high-risk insurers to ensure you don’t overpay for coverage.

Consequences of Receiving a DWI

If the police stop you for suspected drunk driving, the officer will ask you to take a breathalyzer or blood sobriety test. It is your right to refuse a field sobriety test.

However, you will automatically lose your license and be arrested. The police will then test your BAC at the police station to prove whether you were intoxicated, and you will be charged with a DWI offense.

DWI Offense Explained

Typically, first-time DWI offenses are considered misdemeanors. However, multiple DWI offenses or a DWI charge combined with reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter may be regarded as a felony. The criminal charges for a DWI vary by state and criminal record. Take a look at the table below to see DWI laws and punishments by state:

Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties by State

No matter where you live, DWI offenses almost always result in license revocation. However, jail time and fines vary widely.

Understanding a Medical DWI Charge

Along with the DMV and the judicial system, the state medical board can also punish and restrict medical professionals facing DWI charges. For example, state boards often require mandatory drug and alcohol treatment for doctors and nurses before returning to practice.

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If charges involve multiple DWIs, or if the DWI directly relates to their practice of medicine, they could lose their medical licenses. However, these restrictions apply when a medical professional faces any criminal charge, not just DWI. Discover where to find cheap auto insurance after a DUI here.

DWI Meaning: What You Need To Know

While the definition of DWI varies slightly from state to state, the slang meaning is simply “drunk driving.” In most states, DWI is an acronym that stands for “Driving While Intoxicated” and refers specifically to alcohol intoxication. If applicable, the law will differentiate DUI by defining it as drug and alcohol intoxication.

The DWI meaning and DUI definition are synonymous in terms of auto insurance — your auto insurance rates will go up either way. Insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver and charge you accordingly.

However, the way in which DWI impacts your rates differs for every auto insurance company. Before you buy auto insurance coverage, shop with insurers who cater to high-risk drivers to find the most affordable rates. Enter your ZIP code now to compare free quotes from affordable, high-risk auto insurance companies near you.