Gainesville Driver Arrested in Road Rage Case

Hall County Courthouse

Gainesville, Ga. – A driver has been arrested on some very serious charges after he allegedly followed a couple from a restaurant.

The driver allegedly followed the couple in their vehicle on Browns Ridge Road and pointed a firearm at them. They sped up in order to get away from him, and he then rammed their car with his. He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and aggressive driving.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will focus on the offense of aggressive driving in today's post as it is a serious traffic crime – very similar to DUI in Georgia.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines aggressive driving in Georgia as: “driving with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42 [overtaking and passing], 40-6-48 [improper lane change or usage], 40-6-49 [following too closely], 40-6-123 [failing to signal], 40-6-184 [driving too slowly], 40-6-312 [lane usage by motorcycles], or 40-6-390 [reckless driving] with such intent.” O.C.G.A. §40-6-397.

According to the statute, aggressive driving just needs to target another person - not just a driver. The aggressive driving could be directed at pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles or even passengers in the same vehicle as the aggressive driver. 

The law outlining aggressive driving is a relatively new law - the offense itself is a new offense. In fact, there are only a few reported cases. This is why we see so many more charges of reckless driving in Georgia. Reckless driving is simply defined as driving in a manner where there is a reckless disregard for all people or property. 

If  convicted of aggressive driving, you're guilty of a Georgia misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. This means that the punishment could include a fine up to $5,000, jail time of up to 12 months, or both. This is the same classification of crime as a DUI in Georgia.

A conviction for aggressive driving will also add six points to your license. This could lead to a points suspension of your Georgia driver's license if you have accumulated fifteen or more points in a consecutive 24-month period. If you're a driver under 21 years old, any offense that is four points or more will suspend your Georgia driver's license for a six-month period. 

Practice Note

Aggressive driving can result in some very serious consequences. It is a six-point traffic violation. If you have been accused of aggressive driving or driving under the influence in Georgia, call our offices now. We can help you today.