Motorists will have to check their anger at the curb before putting their keys in the ignition if proposed legislation to crack down on road rage becomes law.

The Legislature's Joint Transportation Committee is considering a bill to crack down on a range of bad behavior on the roads - from tailgating to unnecessary honking to making threats or obscene gestures.

Under the legislation introduced by state Rep. Harold Naughton, D-Clinton, those convicted of road rage could be sentenced to up to 2 years in jail.

Violators will also be required to attend anger management classes and risk having their licenses revoked for up to five years.

Mansfield Police Chief Arthur O'Neil, president of the Massachusetts Association of Police Chiefs, said he is interested in the legislation. O'Neil said the association has not yet been asked to formally comment, but he said he supports any legislation that is clearly defined and cracks down on road rage.

"Road rage is a dangerous thing," O'Neil said. "There is no place for it on our roadways."

The committee is also considering bills that would toughen the penalties for drag racing and for involvement in high-speed chases with police.

The drag racing bill, which is co-sponsored by state Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, would increase the penalties from a license suspension and $500 fine up to a $1,000 fine and 2 years in jail.

O'Neil said drag racing does not belong on roads and that drivers who lead police on high-speed chases deserve harsher punishment.

"We try to avoid them because they are dangerous for police and they are dangerous to the public," O'Neil said of the chases.