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 New Mexico (NM), 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 the New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 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 racing on public roads, can lead to significant criminal charges, including assault with a deadly weapon or reckless driving. These offenses may carry penalties including hefty fines, driver's license suspension, and even incarceration. New Mexico law enforcement agencies and courts take aggressive driving seriously due to the potential for accidents and harm to other road users.