Georgia Driver Fires Shots During Road Rage Incident

A driver was arrested this past month after allegedly firing shorts at a car in Fulton County. The incident escalated from an apparent road rage incident.

The driver has been accused of firing three shots at another driver's vehicle. Shell casings were found by officers at the scene. From there they were able to track the suspect's vehicle. He has been arrested on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.

Although the driver is facing felony charges, as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will focus today's post on the law behind the offense that led to the escalation of this incident - aggressive driving in Georgia.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines aggressive driving in Georgia in O.C.G.A. §40-6-397 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.”

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. 

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. 

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

Call our offices now if you or a loved one has been arrested in Georgia. A Georgia DUI Attorney can help you with your case today.