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 Alabama, while there is no specific criminal offense termed 'road rage,' behaviors typically associated with road rage, such as aggressive or reckless driving, are covered under various traffic and criminal laws. Alabama Code Title 32 provides regulations on motor vehicles and traffic, including offenses like reckless driving (Section 32-5A-190), which is defined as driving a vehicle 'carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of persons or property.' Convictions for reckless driving can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, as well as points on the driver's license, which could lead to suspension. Other aggressive driving actions, such as speeding, tailgating, and illegal passing, are also subject to fines and points on the driver's license. More serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon, which could involve using a motor vehicle to harm another, are covered under Alabama's criminal statutes and can lead to significant penalties, including jail or prison time.