driving under the influence
driv·ing 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.
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 4 Nov. 2025.
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