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If you were recently charged with drunk or drugged driving, you might be wondering whether it was a DUI, a DWI, or an OWI in Minnesota, and what the difference is.
This is a great question, and the terms can be confusing, especially since people use them in everyday conversation without knowing how they actually apply under Minnesota law. So, let us clear things up.
These terms are abbreviations, and they stand for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Impaired or Intoxicated (DWI), or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).
These three terms are used across the country to describe driving offenses involving alcohol or drugs, but depending on the state you are in, they might mean different things.
For example, DUI is the most recognized term nationwide and is often used to describe operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Some states use DUI to cover all types of impairment, while others reserve it specifically for alcohol-related offenses.
DWI is another version of the same concept. A few states treat DUI and DWI as separate charges where one might apply to alcohol and the other to drugs, or where the difference is based on the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Then there is OWI, a term used in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. It is similar in meaning but emphasizes “operating” rather than “driving.” That distinction matters in those jurisdictions, because OWI charges can apply even if you are not physically driving but, for example, just sitting in a parked car with the engine running while impaired.
We can review your charges and help you understand exactly what consequences you are facing.
In Minnesota, despite all these terms being used nationwide, the law only recognizes one official term: DWI, or Driving While Impaired.
That is the charge you will see on a citation, a complaint, or in court paperwork. It is all governed under Minnesota Statutes § 169A.20, which spells out exactly what qualifies as impaired driving, and it is broader than most people think.
This includes driving, operating, or even just being in physical control of a motor vehicle while:
It is not just limited to cars and trucks. The DWI law applies to motorboats, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles even if you are not on a public street.
What catches many people off guard is just how broad Minnesota’s DWI statute really is. You do not have to be swerving down the road or completely intoxicated to be charged. Even sitting in a parked car while impaired, or taking prescribed medication that affects your driving, can lead to serious consequences.
So when someone says they got a DUI, DWI, or OWI, they are almost always talking about the same thing: impaired driving. It is just the state-specific language that changes.
A lot of people do not know the difference between DUI, DWI, and OWI in Minnesota. No matter which term someone uses, the consequences are based on DWI laws and those consequences can be serious both legally and personally.
If you have been charged with a DWI in Minnesota, do not take it lightly. The penalties can affect your license, your record, and your future. At BK Law Group, we are here to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.
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