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 Rhode Island (RI), 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 behaviors such as speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, and illegal passing are traffic violations that can result in fines, points on a driver's license, and potentially license suspension. More serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon (which could include using a motor vehicle to threaten or harm another), can lead to significant criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Rhode Island law enforcement takes aggressive driving seriously, and individuals exhibiting such behaviors on the road may face legal consequences that reflect the potential danger their actions pose to public safety.