The laws surrounding DUI vary by state and country, but the main goal everywhere is to prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths  dui what does it stand for  caused by impaired driving. A DUI is considered a serious offense because it endangers not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road.

A person can be charged with a DUI if they are found to be operating a vehicle with a **blood alcohol concentration (BAC)** at or above the legal limit. In most U.S. states, the legal BAC limit is **0.08%** for drivers aged 21 and older. However, some states have lower limits for commercial drivers and those under the legal drinking age. It’s also important to note that a driver may still face DUI charges even if their BAC is below the legal limit if their driving behavior shows clear signs of impairment.

DUI doesn’t only apply to alcohol use. It also includes **driving under the influence of drugs**, whether those drugs are illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness or affect reaction time. Law enforcement officers often use **field sobriety tests** and **chemical tests** (like breath, blood, or urine tests) to determine a driver’s level of impairment.

The penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe and may include **fines, license suspension, community service, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, or even jail time.** Repeat offenders usually face harsher consequences.