OWI
Government & Politics abbreviation · Police
| Stands for | Operating while intoxicated |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
OWI stands for Operating while intoxicated, a police abbreviation.
Term for impaired driving used in states such as Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. "Operating" can cover being in physical control of a vehicle even if it is not moving.
Example: She was charged with OWI after deputies found her asleep behind the wheel with the engine running.
Usage notes
Wisconsin is the only state where a first-offense OWI is generally a civil forfeiture rather than a crime, unless a child is in the vehicle. The wording "operating" rather than "driving" broadens what conduct the statute covers. Penalties escalate quickly for repeat offenses.
Related abbreviations
More police abbreviations
- NIBRS – National Incident-Based Reporting System
- NYPD – New York City Police Department
- OC – Oleoresin capsicum
- OIS – Officer-involved shooting
- OPP – Ontario Provincial Police
- OUI – Operating under the influence
- PACE – Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
- PBT – Preliminary breath test
- PC – Police constable
- PCSO – Police community support officer
- PD – Police department
- PIT – Precision immobilization technique