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 Michigan, the primary laws governing the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are found under the Michigan Vehicle Code. The state uses the term 'Operating While Intoxicated' (OWI) to refer to the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Michigan law defines OWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, operating while visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, or operating with any amount of a controlled substance in the body. Penalties for OWI can include fines, imprisonment, community service, and driver's license suspension or revocation. Michigan also has a 'Zero Tolerance' law for drivers under the age of 21, which makes it illegal for these drivers to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. For boating under the influence (BUI), Michigan law prohibits operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with similar BAC limits and penalties as for OWI. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of all individuals on public roadways and waterways by deterring impaired operation of vehicles and vessels.