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 North Dakota, driving under the influence (DUI) is the term used for the criminal offense of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Under North Dakota Century Code 39-08-01, it is illegal for an individual to drive a vehicle if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, to a degree which renders them incapable of safely driving. The law applies to driving on public roadways and also covers operating watercraft under the influence, known as boating under the influence (BUI). Penalties for DUI in North Dakota can include fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. The severity of the penalties typically increases with subsequent offenses or if the incident involved aggravating factors such as high BAC levels or causing harm to others.