Have you ever been cruising down I-25 or stuck in the Central Avenue traffic, when another driver decides the rules of the road do not apply to them? They might be tailgating, cutting across lanes without signals, or leaning on the horn.
That’s known as road rage.
This behavior is more than annoying; it can be dangerous and lead to car accidents. Unfortunately, New Mexico consistently ranks as one of the worst states for aggressive driving and road rage–related incidents. So, can road rage be reported in New Mexico?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Difference Between Road Rage vs. Aggressive Driving?
Road rage and aggressive driving are used interchangeably, but they are not technically the same thing under the law. Aggressive driving refers to dangerous driving behavior, such as speeding, weaving, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals.
Road rage goes a step further. This is when the behavior escalates into threats or violence, like brandishing a weapon, chasing another driver, or deliberately causing a crash.
New Mexico does not have a law that makes road rage illegal. However, the behaviors that fall under road rage are illegal. Depending on what happens, a driver could be charged with:
- Reckless driving
- Aggravated assault
- Criminal damage to property
- Vehicular homicide
In other words, road rage might not have its own statute, but the law has plenty of ways to hold dangerous drivers accountable.
How to Report Road Rage in New Mexico
What should you do if you have a terrifying encounter on the road? If you live in Albuquerque, the city has a dedicated online road rage reporting portal operated by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). You can:
- Upload photos or videos from dashcams or phones
- Provide detailed descriptions, such as vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
- Submit anonymously if you’re not comfortable attaching your name
These reports go straight to APD’s Aggressive Driving Unit. They will review submissions and decide what follow-up action makes sense. Sometimes that means contacting the driver. In more serious cases, it could mean criminal charges.
If the situation unfolds in real time and someone is in danger, you need to call 911. For non-emergencies in Albuquerque, you can also call 505-242-COPS. The process is a little more old-school for those outside of Albuquerque, but you still have options.
Once again, if you are in immediate danger, you need to call 911 right away.
After the fact, you want to contact your local police or sheriff’s office. Many agencies allow you to file a report in person, over the phone, or sometimes online. Whether you are in Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, or a small town, local law enforcement wants to know when drivers are endangering others.
What Happens After You Report It?
After you make a report, what is the next step? In Albuquerque, detectives screen reports and evidence. In other parts of the state, an officer will decide whether the complaint can move forward.
In some cases, police contact the driver to let them know their behavior was reported. Yes, that can be enough to make someone think twice.
Sometimes, if there is solid evidence, such as video footage, witness statements, or a clear license plate number, the police may investigate further.
For serious incidents, especially those involving weapons or crashes, charges can and do happen.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Before you make a report, here are some tips to keep you and everyone safe on the road:
- Safety first: You never want to chase, confront, or try to film someone if it puts you in danger.
- Details matter: Make sure to write down the vehicle’s make, model, color, plate number, time, and location. The more specific, the better for the report.
- Evidence helps: Dashcam footage is a game-changer. If you do not have one, consider investing in one. This is insurance for your word against theirs.
- Reports are public record: Eventually, the person you report to could see that a complaint was filed. If you are worried about retaliation, you may want to file anonymously or consult an attorney first.
Why Reporting Road Rage Is Important
Every year, lives are lost or forever changed because someone let their temper take the wheel. By reporting road rage:
- You are creating accountability: Even if nothing immediately happens, that report could support future investigations.
- You are protecting others: Law enforcement cannot be everywhere at once. It is up to citizen reports to help them identify hot spots and repeat offenders.
- You are standing up for safer roads: No one should have to feel like their daily commute is a game of Russian roulette.
Reporting Keeps Everyone Safe on the Road
Can you report road rage in New Mexico? Yes, you absolutely can, and you should.
Road rage is dangerous. Reporting aggressive drivers helps keep everyone safer. It also reminds these aggressive motorists that their behavior will fly under the radar.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s anger, you have legal options. You can talk to our experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney at Barrera Law Group LLC.
We can help you take those next steps towards compensation.