Robert Hammers | August 11, 2026 | DUI Accidents
If you have heard the terms DUI, DWI, and DWAI, you may wonder whether they all mean the same thing. While they are often used interchangeably, the meaning of each term depends on the state. Some states recognize all three offenses, while others use only one.
Georgia does not have separate DUI, DWI, and DWAI laws. Instead, the state uses the term DUI, or Driving Under the Influence. Understanding the differences can help drivers recognize how impaired driving laws vary across the country.
What Is a DUI?
In Georgia, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is the term used for impaired driving offenses. A person can face a DUI charge for driving or being in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or certain other substances.
Georgia DUI cases can involve:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- A combination of alcohol and drugs
A driver may violate Georgia’s DUI law because a substance makes them less safe to drive. Certain BAC levels can also support a DUI charge even without separate proof that the person was less safe to drive.
What Is a DWI?
DWI generally stands for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired. Its exact meaning depends on the state.
Some states use DWI as their primary term for impaired driving, while others distinguish between DUI and DWI under their own laws. Georgia does neither. A driver accused of impaired driving in Georgia is generally dealing with a DUI offense rather than a separate DWI charge.
What Is a DWAI?
DWAI stands for Driving While Ability Impaired. In jurisdictions that use the term, it may describe a level or type of impairment that is treated differently from DUI or DWI.
Georgia does not recognize DWAI as a separate impaired driving offense. Because these terms vary significantly by jurisdiction, the law of the state where the conduct occurred determines which offense applies.
Which Term Does Georgia Use?
Georgia uses DUI rather than DWI or DWAI. State law recognizes several ways a person can violate its DUI statute.
For example, a driver may face a DUI charge for being less safe to drive because of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Georgia law also prohibits driving with certain concentrations of alcohol or specified controlled substances in a person’s system.
The exact charge will depend on the circumstances, including the substance involved and the evidence collected by law enforcement.
What Are the BAC Limits in Georgia?
For most drivers age 21 and older, Georgia uses a BAC threshold of 0.08%.
Different thresholds apply to certain drivers:
- Commercial vehicle drivers: 0.04%
- Drivers under age 21: 0.02%
A BAC below these thresholds does not necessarily mean a person can safely or legally drive. A person may still face a DUI charge if alcohol has made them less safe to drive.
What Happens if a Drunk Driver Causes an Accident?
A DUI can result in criminal consequences for the impaired driver, but an accident victim’s claim is a separate civil matter. If an impaired driver causes a crash, an injured person may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Evidence collected during the DUI investigation may also be useful in establishing how the collision occurred. Depending on the circumstances, police reports, BAC test results, witness statements, and other evidence could become relevant to the injury claim.
Contact the Atlanta DUI Accident Attorneys at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Georgia uses DUI as its primary term for impaired driving rather than DWI or DWAI. When an impaired driver causes a crash, the people injured may have legal options separate from any criminal case against the driver.
Reach out to Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metro area in Georgia, with offices in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, Roswell, and Mableton.
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312, Atlanta, GA 30314
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(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
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(678) 990-7024
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A. Lawrenceville, GA 30046
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(678) 626-5067
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108, Mableton, GA 30126
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(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220, Smyrna, GA 30080
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(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111, Roswell, GA 30075
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(678) 582-8466
