Your license can be suspended for six months if you are convicted of road rage. That’s not just a warning—it’s written into the California Vehicle Code. In Fresno and across California, aggressive driving isn’t just a moment of lost temper behind the wheel; it’s a legal issue that could cost you your license, your reputation, and even lead to serious injuries. As a law firm that helps clients navigate the aftermath of these incidents, we know how devastating a road rage encounter can be for victims and those accused. Contact Sarwinder Dhanjan, your trusted Fresno car accident attorney, today for legal advice.

What Is Considered Road Rage Under California Law?

Road rage isn’t just honking your horn or flashing your lights. Under California law, road rage involves deliberate, aggressive driving behavior intended to intimidate or harm others. This includes tailgating, verbal threats, abrupt lane changes, blocking another vehicle, and physical assaults following traffic disputes. Even confrontational gestures or shouting from a vehicle may qualify if they create fear or escalate a situation.

California has no standalone “road rage” statute. Still, prosecutors typically charge offenders under reckless driving (CVC §23103), assault, battery, or even attempted vehicular manslaughter—depending on the severity. And those charges can quickly escalate if someone is injured or killed during the incident.

Your License Can Be Suspended for Six Months If You Are Convicted of Road Rage

This isn’t an exaggeration—your license can be suspended for six months if you are convicted of road rage in California for a first-time offense. If you’re convicted a second time or more, the suspension period can increase to one full year, as outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Courts may also mandate that the driver complete a court-approved road rage or anger management program as part of sentencing requirements.

The Department has the administrative authority to suspend or revoke driving privileges independently of criminal court decisions. That means the DMV can still take separate action based on your driving record and behavior, even if charges are reduced.

These penalties reflect how seriously the state views aggressive driving behaviors. In cities like Fresno, where traffic congestion and rural highway stretches combine, road rage incidents aren’t rare, and consequences can hit fast.

Can You Sue Someone After a Road Rage Incident in Fresno?

Yes. If an aggressive driver has injured you, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. California civil law allows you to seek financial compensation when another person’s intentional or reckless conduct causes harm. Road rage incidents go beyond simple negligence—they often involve willful actions like chasing, threatening, or ramming another vehicle, which may form the basis for a stronger claim.

Unlike regular car accident cases that require proof of careless driving, road rage claims may qualify as intentional torts. This opens the door to compensatory damages—like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress—and punitive damages aimed at punishing the wrongdoer for extreme misconduct. If the driver used their vehicle as a weapon or attempted to cause fear or harm, that conduct could support claims of assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress—all of which may increase your total recovery.

What Are Your Legal Options If You’re Facing License Suspension or Were Injured?

If you risk losing your license, you have the right to a DMV administrative hearing—but you must request it quickly, typically within 10 days of notice. This hearing is your chance to challenge the suspension and present evidence. If you’ve been wrongly accused of road rage or there’s insufficient proof, your license may be reinstated.

If you’re injured, your legal options depend on the circumstances of the incident:

• Civil claims: File for damages in court or negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company.
• Victim restitution: If the offender is criminally charged, the court may order them to pay you restitution.
• Protective orders: In serious cases, especially where threats or stalking are involved, you may be eligible for a restraining order against the driver.

The legal process can be daunting, especially when healing from an injury or navigating DMV bureaucracy. But you’re not alone.

Talk to a Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer if You Are Involved in a Road Rage Incident

Road rage cases demand both compassion and clarity. Whether you were injured in a road rage crash or faced legal action after a heated traffic encounter, we’re here to stand by you, step by step. Sarwinder Dhanjan is ready to listen, guide, and advocate for you as your trusted Fresno personal injury attorney. Contact SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm for a free consultation today.