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 South Carolina, 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, improper lane changes, and illegal passing are covered under South Carolina's traffic laws and can result in traffic citations, fines, and points on a driver's license. More severe conduct, such as using a vehicle to assault someone or engaging in conduct that endangers others, could be charged under criminal statutes, potentially as assault or even attempted murder if the situation warrants. Penalties for these offenses can include significant fines, driver's license suspension, and incarceration. South Carolina law enforcement agencies and courts take aggressive driving seriously, and consequences can be severe, especially if such behavior leads to accidents or injuries.