Legal Definitions - operating a motor vehicle under the influence

Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence refers to the act of being in physical control of a vehicle while one's mental or physical abilities are significantly impaired by alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), or other intoxicating substances. This impairment must be to a degree that renders the individual incapable of safely operating the vehicle.

This term is often used interchangeably with, or is a broader concept that encompasses, "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) or "Driving While Intoxicated" (DWI). The key element is not just active driving, but being in a position of control over the vehicle while impaired.

• Example 1: Sarah had several alcoholic drinks at a restaurant and then got into her car, started the engine, and began driving home. A police officer observed her weaving significantly between lanes and pulled her over. After a field sobriety test, it was determined she was impaired by alcohol.

  This illustrates the term because Sarah was actively operating a motor vehicle (driving her car) while her abilities were impaired under the influence of alcohol, making her unable to drive safely.

• Example 2: Mark took a strong prescription sedative for a medical condition and then decided to wait for a friend in his car in a parking lot. He started the engine to use the air conditioning and fell asleep in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition. A security guard noticed him and called the police, who found Mark disoriented and unable to respond coherently.

  Even though Mark was not actively driving, he was in physical control and had the potential to operate the vehicle (engine running, keys in ignition) while his abilities were severely impaired under the influence of the sedative, which constitutes operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

• Example 3: A commercial truck driver, David, was pulled over for a routine inspection. During the interaction, the officer noticed signs of impairment. A subsequent drug test revealed that David had recently consumed marijuana, which was affecting his coordination and reaction time, even though he claimed to feel alert.

  This demonstrates the term because David was operating a motor vehicle (a commercial truck) while his physical and mental faculties were impaired under the influence of marijuana, regardless of his subjective feeling of sobriety, posing a risk to public safety.