The legal definition of aggressive driving generally involves committing a combination of moving traffic offenses in a manner that endangers other persons or property. For example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is "an individual who commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." This behavior often includes multiple violations like speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, failure to yield, and ignoring traffic signals, among others.
Some specific state laws provide detailed definitions, such as:
- Arizona defines aggressive driving as when a person commits a violation of specific traffic laws alongside at least two other violations like unsafe lane changes or failure to obey traffic devices, and the driving creates an immediate hazard to others. Aggressive driving is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor there.
- Virginia law states aggressive driving is committing one or more specified traffic violations while being a hazard or intending to harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another. It is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.
In summary, legally aggressive driving is a pattern or combination of traffic violations done in a way that creates an immediate danger or hazard to others on the road.
