Drunk Driving DUI Law

Wisconsin drunk driving law (DUI / OWI) prohibits a person from driving or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance, or any other drug which makes a person less capable of safely driving.

In this respect, the law does not specifically prohibit driving “drunk”; but more accurately prohibits driving under the influence, which is commonly referred to as DUI or OWI for operating while impaired or operating while intoxicated.

Note that it is not necessary for an officer to actually see a person driving to being able to stop him or her for DUI. It is enough that a person has either turned on the ignition or has left the motor running while the vehicle is in the park position. In fact, the statutory definition of operation is “the physical manipulation or activation of any of the controls of a motor vehicle necessary to put it in motion.” The fact that a vehicle may be immobile due to engine problems or being stuck on a mound of dirt with the wheels spinning does not preclude an officer from arresting the driver for DUI or OWI.

Drunk driving defense is a specialized area. Visit the Wisconsin Law Directory if you have been arrested for DUI or OWI in Wisconsin.

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