The term aggressive driving covers a range of unsafe driver behaviors including speeding, running red lights, failure to yield, tailgating and improper passing. To date, 15 states have addressed aggressive driving in their legislatures and 11 states have passed laws specifically defining aggressive driving actions.
State laws define what constitutes aggressive driving and stipulate the related fines and penalties. Often, a driver must demonstrate more than one action to be considered aggressive, according the Governors Highway Safety Assn.
In addition to legislation, some states are addressing aggressive driving in other ways, including:
• Increased enforcement, through programs such as the Mid-Atlantic states’ Smooth Operator law enforcement program.
• Utilizing local citizens’ initiatives and coalitions to implement public information and education campaigns to improve driver courtesy.
• Technological advances, such as photo radar.
• Public information and education programs that focus on the dangers of aggressive driving, provide tips for safe driving, publicize upcoming enforcement programs or advertise tip lines for reporting aggressive driving behavior.
Following are specifics of aggressive driving laws currently on the books.
Arizona
Speeding and least two of the following: failure to obey traffic control device, passing on the right out of regular lanes of traffic, unsafe lane change, following too closely, failure to yield right of way; and is an immediate hazard to another person or vehicle.
Delaware
At least three of the following: failure to obey traffic control device, passing on the right, driving outside the lanes of traffic, following too closely, failure to yield right of way, failure to signal, failure to stop or yield at signs, passing a stopped school bus, speeding.
Florida
At least two of the following: speeding, unsafe or improper lane change, following too closely, failure to yield right of way, improper passing, failure to obey traffic control devices.
Georgia
Intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person, while doing one or more of the following: overtaking and passing another vehicle; violating traffic lane markings; following too closely; violating signal, lane change, slowing or stopping laws; impeding traffic flows; reckless driving.
Indiana
At least three of the following: following too closely, unsafe operation, passing on the right off of roadway, unsafe stopping or slowing, unnecessary sounding of the horn, failure to yield, failure to obey traffic control device, speeding, repeatedly flashing headlights.
Maryland
At least three of the following: failure to obey traffic control device, overtaking and passing, passing on right, following too closely, failure to yield right of way or speeding.
Nevada
Within one mile, commits all of the following: 1) speeding; 2) at least two of the following: failure to obey traffic control device, passing on the right off of paved roadway, following too closely, lane violation, failure to yield right of way; and 3) creating an immediate hazard for another vehicle or person.
North Carolina
Speeding and driving carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others while committing at least two of the following violations: running a red light or stop sign, illegal passing, failing to yield right of way, following too closely.
Rhode Island
Speeding and at least two of the following: failure to obey traffic control device, overtaking on the right, driving outside the lanes of traffic, following too closely, failure to yield right of way, entering roadway unsafely, failure to use turn signals, failure to stop or yield at signs, use of emergency lane for travel.
Vermont
Following too closely, crowding and harassment.
Virginia
Is a hazard to others with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person while committing at least one of the following: failure to drive on the right side of highway, driving outside of marked lanes, following too closely, failure to yield or stop before entering roadway, failure to obey traffic control device, passing when overtaking a vehicle, passing on right, failure to yield right of way, speeding, stopping on a highway.
