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 Louisiana (LA), 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, improper lane usage, and illegal passing can result in traffic citations. More severe conduct, such as using a vehicle to intimidate or harm another person, could be charged under general criminal laws, including assault or aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (the vehicle being considered the weapon). Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the behavior, penalties can range from fines and points on a driver's license to driver's license suspension, and in extreme cases, jail or prison time. Louisiana law enforcement takes aggressive driving seriously, and drivers exhibiting such behaviors can expect to face legal consequences.