driving under the influence

driv·ing under the influence

Legal Definition of driving under the influence

: the offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or especially alcohol

— called also driving while intoxicated, drunk driving, drunken driving

Note: Most states specify by statute a level of alcohol in the blood that creates a presumption that the person is under the influence of alcohol. The blood alcohol content is required to be .08 percent in most states.

Learn More About driving under the influence

Dictionary Entries Near driving under the influence

drawer

Dred Scott Case

D reorganization

driving under the influence

Drug Enforcement Administration

drug-free zone

dry trust

Cite this Entry

“Driving under the influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/driving%20under%20the%20influence. Accessed 22 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA