There is not a criminal offense called road rage in most states, but there are criminal offenses for the aggressive, reckless driving motivated by anger, rage, and frustration that often leads to motor vehicle accidents and dangerous or deadly confrontations between drivers in road rage incidents. Aggressive driving behavior may also lead to traffic tickets and driver’s license suspensions for related offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, lane blocking, illegal passing, racing, and assault with a deadly weapon (motor vehicle). And some states have passed laws that include significant fines and potential jail or prison time for such reckless driving.

In Colorado, while there is no specific criminal offense termed 'road rage,' behaviors typically associated with road rage can lead to criminal charges under various traffic and criminal statutes. Aggressive driving actions such as speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, and illegal passing can result in traffic citations. More serious offenses, such as reckless driving, which is driving with a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, can lead to misdemeanor charges under Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1401. If aggressive driving escalates to the point of threatening or causing physical harm to another person, charges could range from harassment to assault. In cases where a motor vehicle is used as a weapon, the driver could potentially face felony charges for assault with a deadly weapon. Penalties for these offenses may include significant fines, points on the driver’s license, driver’s license suspension, and even jail or prison time, depending on the severity of the incident and the driver's criminal history.