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 Massachusetts, the relevant offense for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is known as Operating Under the Influence (OUI). Massachusetts law prohibits operating a motor vehicle on public roads while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, intoxicating vapors, or other substances that can impair one's ability to drive safely. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over, and it is 0.02% for those under 21. Penalties for OUI can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. The state also has laws against Boating Under the Influence (BUI), which apply to operating watercraft while intoxicated. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of all individuals on both roadways and waterways by deterring impaired operation of vehicles and vessels.