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 Alabama, the primary offense for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191 outlines the specifics of DUI offenses, including the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit, which is 0.08% for drivers over the age of 21, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Penalties for DUI convictions in Alabama can include fines, imprisonment, driver's license suspension, and mandatory attendance at a substance abuse program. Additionally, Alabama has an implied consent law, which means that by driving on Alabama roads, drivers have consented to BAC testing and can face penalties for refusal. While DUI typically refers to operating motor vehicles, Alabama also has laws against Boating Under the Influence (BUI), which apply to operating watercraft while intoxicated. The BUI laws and penalties are similar to those for DUI and are covered under Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191.3.