Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

The terms DUI and DWI are often used to describe impaired driving, but some states have changed their terminology over time. In certain places, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is now referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired). The change is usually based on legal definitions, efforts to modernize the law, or to better reflect the range of substances that can impair a driver, not just alcohol.

Understanding the Terms

Both DUI and DWI describe illegal driving behavior involving impairment, but the exact meaning depends on the law in a specific state. In some states, the two terms are used interchangeably. In others, they represent different levels of impairment or different substances involved.

• DUI – Typically refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
• DWI – Often used when the impairment is more severe, or may refer only to alcohol, depending on the law.

Some jurisdictions changed from DUI to DWI to clarify that intoxication can involve more than just alcohol, such as prescription drugs, marijuana, or other controlled substances.

Why the Shift in Terminology?

Several reasons explain why some states or agencies now prefer the term DWI over DUI,

• Legal clarity – DWI may be defined more specifically in state law, depending on the substance or level of intoxication.
• Expanded definitions – Lawmakers may want to emphasize that impairment includes drugs, not just alcohol.
• Consistency – A state may choose one standard term to reduce confusion in statutes and court procedures.
• Severity distinction – Some states use DWI for more serious offenses and DUI for less severe or first-time incidents.

The change does not necessarily mean the laws have become stricter, but it does reflect how the legal system is adapting to different types of impaired driving.

What Kansas Uses

In Kansas, the official term used in the legal system is DUI, Driving Under the Influence. This covers impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The term DWI is not used in Kansas statutes, although it may still be used informally or in other states.

Other states, like Texas and New York, may use DWI instead of DUI, or may separate the two terms by severity or type of substance.

DUI is sometimes called DWI in certain states due to differences in legal definitions and an effort to include all types of intoxication. While both terms refer to impaired driving, the exact usage depends on where the charge occurs. In Kansas, DUI remains the official legal term, covering both alcohol and drug-related impairment. The change in language in other states reflects how laws continue to evolve to address different driving risks.