Across the USA, the most common crime booked in a year, by far, is DUI. Driving while intoxicated is no minor matter. A person can get anything from a warning to jail time. DUI can start as a misdemeanor and escalate into a felonious crime by degree; however, no matter what degree of culpability you face, DUI can turn your world upside-down.

Laws on the books for DUI are very clear-cut; but they are not uniform across the country. Each state has variations on DUI penalties. Most states address underage drinking very strictly, and repeat offenders very strictly. Depending on the degree of impairment, and the conditions at the scene, all states have laws that make extreme drunk driving a criminal offense and a felony.

The DUI laws have a commonality in the following areas. DWUI starts under between .08 to .10 blood alcohol levels, and then kicks into DUI at between .08 to .10 blood alcohol levels. These levels are doubly indemnifying for all drivers in the US less than 21 years of age. Depending on the state, a person may have their driver's license suspended any length of time from seven days to three years. Fines for DUI across the country range from $250.00 to $2500.00.

Studies have shown, in the US, August is the worst month for DUI charges. It seems the ticketing level for DWUI and DUI spikes this one month of the year; even higher than during holidays. More than hard liquor and wine together, beer is drunk during summer heat, picnics, outings, sporting events, family gatherings, and vacations.

All people of drinking age must note that in some states the DUI laws apply to impaired operation of any / all motorized vehicles, boats, and bicycles. In addition, in some states, DUI laws are in effect even if you are not operating a vehicle, but sleeping or sitting behind the wheel of the parked vehicle. All have some type of open container law.

It is a vehicle operators' responsibility to know the driving laws, in effect, in the state in which they drive. Driving laws are fluid and change with time. There is currently a trend in the US for DUI laws to be made more strict. Drinking ages have gone up while alcohol blood levels have gone down. First time offenses have gone from a warning or insignificant punishment to jail time and heavy fines across the US.

The safest way to have a good time, and drink to any degree and avoid a DUI nightmare is to drink and not drive at all, but stay where you're drinking. On the other hand, always have a designated driver. Drinking in the US has gone from a party time to a type of Russian roulette. The DUI laws across the country guarantee, if you're a drinker, and you drive, it is only a matter of time before you're actually caught. The laws are definitely uniformly designed to guarantee, once you've faced the DUI maze most of you will never drink and drive again.