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.

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driving under the influence

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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 17 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA