Driving under the influence, otherwise known as a DUI, is any time a person is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Intoxicants can be more than just alcohol. Other common intoxicants include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, inhalants, or over the counter medications. DUIs are utilized as a way to prevent people from operating or driving motor vehicles while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance. 

DUIs are typically determined using a variety of different assessments. Initially, a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer can be conducted at the scene. Additionally, a blood test can be taken within two hours of operating the motor vehicle. Both the Breathalyzer test and the blood test are used to measure the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). If your BAC is above the legal limit, which is usually 0.08 percent, you could be given a DUI. Your BAC is affected by your health, body weight, food consumption, amount of intoxicant consumed and rate of consumption.

The penalties for DUIs vary based on the state laws and the circumstances of the case. Also, penalties tend to become more severe with increasing DUI offenses. In general, some of the most common penalties include:

• Prison, jail or home incarceration time 
• Alcohol Education Classes
• Fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $10,000 dollars
• Probation of one to three years
• License suspension
• Ignition interlock device (IID), which is a Breathalyzer connected to the vehicle dashboard that requires the driver to blow into the device prior to starting the vehicle. 

Underage DUIs: An underage DUI is when a person under the legal drinking age operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance. Zero tolerance laws require minors to blow less than a 0.02 percent on a Breathalyzer test. The penalties for an underage DUI are similar to regular DUIs, which include, license suspension, jail or juvenile facility time, alcohol treatment program, ignition interlock devices, fines, minor in possession, or distributing to minors if there are other underage drunk passengers. If the child is over 16 years old, they can be tried as an adult. 

Boating under the influence (BUIs): Boating under the influence, or BUIs, are similar to DUIs except they apply to drivers operating a watercraft while under the influence. Watercrafts include any type of water vehicle, including speedboats, pontoon boats, or jet-skis.