The difference between aggressive driving and reckless driving is often unclear. There is a difference between the two and there is a difference in the penalties for each. Both aggressive and reckless driving are dangerous to others on the road. The best way to understand the difference between aggressive driving and reckless driving is to review the definition of each in the Virginia Code.
What is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving includes a number of driving behaviors engaged in with the intention “to harass intimidate, injure, or obstruct” other drivers. These driving behaviors may include:
- Tailgating.
- Speeding.
- Illegal passing.
- Failure to stop or to yield the right of way when appropriate.
- Driving outside the designated lanes.
- Making unsafe lane changes.
- Cutting off another driver.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals.
- Stopping on a highway.
