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 Louisiana (LA), the primary laws governing the operation of vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are found under the state's statutes, specifically in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The state uses the term 'Driving While Intoxicated' (DWI) to refer to the offense of operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance when impaired. According to Louisiana law, a person is considered to be DWI if they are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances to a degree that renders them incapable of operating a conveyance safely. Penalties for DWI offenses can include fines, imprisonment, community service, driver's license suspension, and mandatory participation in substance abuse programs. The state also has implied consent laws, meaning that drivers are presumed to have consented to chemical testing for intoxication as a condition of operating a vehicle. Refusal to submit to such testing can result in additional penalties. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is similarly regulated, with enforcement on waterways for those operating boats or other watercraft while impaired.