There are various criminal charges for operating a motorized, electric, or otherwise-powered transportation device on public roadways or waterways while under the influence of or intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, as defined by state law. DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, and BUI—driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, operating under the influence, operating while intoxicated, and boating under the influence—are some of the common names for such impaired-driving or impaired-operating criminal offenses.

Laws regarding the definitions and names of such alcohol and drug-related driving offenses vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal code or criminal code.

In Ohio, the relevant laws for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are primarily found under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19, commonly referred to as OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence). Ohio law prohibits anyone from operating any motor vehicle if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 years and older, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Penalties for OVI convictions can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. For boating under the influence, the offense is referred to as BUI (Boating Under the Influence), and similar rules and penalties apply for operating watercraft while impaired. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of all individuals on public roadways and waterways by deterring impaired operation of vehicles and vessels.