What is Driving Under the Influence or DUI?

Imagine how difficult it is to operate a vehicle during rush hour traffic in Raleigh, trying to find a new location in Charlotte, or driving with screaming kids in the car in Fayetteville. Think about how you feel completely sober when you notice a Raleigh police officer driving behind you--you make sure your seatbelt is buckled, using a turn signal every time, and driving the exact speed limit. This is driving when you are completely aware and your cognitive ability is not impaired at all. Now imagine driving home after 4-5 beers and a police officer pulls out behind you. If for some reason you do not use that turn signal or swerve across the yellow line, you are giving that police officer the right to pull you over. A Raleigh DUI can be a costly mistake, even if you only blow a .09. Most laws used to be .10 and they lowered it to .08. A traffic accident does not have to occur to get caught.

Did you know that a DUI doesn't only mean under the influence of alcohol? It can also be drugs, legal and illegal. So this doesn't only mean being under the influence of street drugs, but can also mean prescription drugs as well. If your ability to think is not as clear as before you took the substance it can be considered driving under the influence.

Getting a DUI in Raleigh doesn't only mean that you have been driving a car under the influence.  You can get one from driving a boat, driving a golf cart, riding a bicycle, riding a scooter, or even riding a horse in some places! Yes in North Carolina you CAN get a DUI while riding a horse, scooter, or bike. Because you are in control of the horse, you can get charged with DUI.

A DUI affects EVERYONE! Even if you are not impaired while you are driving, you could still become a victim of someone who chooses to drink and drive. So if you drink, do not drive. If you have friends or family who are drinking do not let them drive, take the keys from them!

This web site was written to educate you on various aspects of drinking and driving. We do not condone it, however, the fact of the matter is that most people at some point will do it. Don't think it cannot happen to you especially in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, or Fayetteville, North Carolina.

We found many many people were getting to this website by searching about driving under the influence on a boat. Yes, North Carolina is a great place to have fun at the lake. With Falls Lake, Lake Norman, and Jordan Lake, many many people have boats and choose to entertain themselves and others at the lake. Unfortunately many people get DUI charges on a lake. Driving under the influence does apply to boats. Same law, same BAC. Make sure you don't boat and drink either.

Unfortunately, DUI's and DWI' are a part of life, however infrequent it may occur. Everyone from George W. Bush to Mel Gibson have been arrested for DUI.