DWI vs DUI: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Worse

If you’ve been pulled over in Calgary and charged with impaired driving, you might be wondering whether you’re facing a DWI or a DUI—and what either term actually means. While the two are often used interchangeably, there are legal differences depending on where you are.

In Alberta and across Canada, impaired driving laws are taken very seriously. Understanding the difference between DUI and DWI could help you protect your rights and know what to expect next.

What Does DUI Stand For?

DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” This refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A DUI charge in Calgary could be laid even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit, as long as your ability to drive is impaired.

In everyday language, people often say DUI when referring to any kind of impaired driving. However, in legal terms in Alberta, the charge is typically called impaired driving, not DUI.

What Is DWI? Understanding the Term

DWI meaning stands for “Driving While Impaired” or sometimes “Driving While Intoxicated.” In Alberta, DWI is not a formal legal term used in the court system, but it is widely used in the United States.

Still, the meaning behind what is DWI aligns closely with how impaired driving is handled in Calgary. It generally refers to a situation where a driver is over the legal BAC limit (0.08), or visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, and fails a roadside test.

Impaired Driving Meaning in Calgary

In Canada, and specifically in Calgary, the Criminal Code refers to impaired driving as a criminal offence. This includes driving while impaired by:

• Alcohol

• Cannabis or other drugs

• A combination of both

• Prescription medication that affects your driving ability

If you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test, you can still be charged and convicted under impaired driving laws.

So, while DWI vs DUI may seem different, the impaired driving meaning covers both in Alberta's legal system.

DWI vs DUI in Calgary: Is There a Difference?

In Calgary and throughout Alberta, there’s no legal difference between DWI vs DUI. Both terms fall under the category of impaired driving offences. The key factor is whether the Crown can prove that you were not safe to operate a vehicle due to alcohol or drug use.

Still, it’s helpful to understand that:

• DUI is a more commonly used term in public conversations or media

• DWI is more often heard in U.S. legal systems

• In Alberta, you’ll likely be charged under the umbrella of impaired driving

Which Is Worse: DUI or DWI?

The question of which is worse—DUI or DWI—comes down to the severity of the offence, not the label used.

In Calgary, if you are convicted of impaired driving, you can face:

• A $1,000 minimum fine for a first offence

• An automatic 12-month licence suspension

• A criminal record

• Mandatory participation in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program

• Possible jail time for repeat or aggravated offences

So whether it’s called DUI, DWI, or impaired driving, the consequences are significant. Repeat offences or causing injury while impaired will lead to harsher penalties under Alberta’s strict driving laws.

How Does a DUI or DWI Affect Your Life?

Even a first-time DUI or DWI conviction in Calgary can have long-term consequences, including:

• Skyrocketing car insurance premiums

• Difficulty securing employment

• Ineligibility to travel to the U.S.

• Loss of professional licenses

This is why it’s crucial to take any impaired driving charge seriously and get legal advice right away.

Final Thoughts

In Calgary, the terms DWI vs DUI may sound different, but they both point to the same serious offence—impaired driving. Whether you’ve had a few drinks or taken a substance that impairs your judgment, getting behind the wheel can lead to life-changing legal and personal consequences.

If you're facing impaired driving charges, don’t wait. A qualified criminal defence lawyer in Calgary can help you understand the charges, explore your defence options, and work to protect your future.