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 Illinois, 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 are traffic offenses that can result in citations, fines, and points on a driver's license. More severe conduct, such as using a vehicle to commit an assault, could be charged under Illinois' criminal laws, potentially as aggravated assault or aggravated battery with a motor vehicle, which are felony offenses. These charges can carry significant penalties, including fines, driver's license suspension or revocation, and even jail or prison time. Illinois law enforcement and courts take aggressive driving seriously, and consequences can escalate with the severity of the behavior and any resulting harm or damage.