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 Rhode Island, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. The state refers to these offenses as 'Driving Under the Influence' (DUI) or 'Driving While Intoxicated' (DWI). Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Motor and Other Vehicles, Chapter 31-27 specifically addresses these offenses. The law defines DUI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 years and older, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers. Penalties for DUI in Rhode Island can include fines, license suspension, community service, DUI school, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior offenses. Additionally, Rhode Island law also prohibits Boating Under the Influence (BUI), which applies to operating watercraft while intoxicated, and is covered under Rhode Island General Laws Title 46, Waters and Navigation, Chapter 46-22. The state takes these offenses seriously and imposes strict penalties to deter impaired operation of vehicles and promote public safety.