DUI stands for driving under the influence, while DWI stands for driving while impaired. There is currently no difference between a DUI and a DWI under North Carolina law. This changed in 1983 as a response to the passing of North Carolina’s Safe Roads Act, a law that made both offenses fall under a DWI. Regardless of what caused your impairment while driving, including alcohol, the official charge will be a DWI.