These Are the 25 Worst States to Drive In
Ever feel like your daily drive is more of a battle than a commute? You’re not alone. Some states just seem to have it out for drivers, with everything from pothole-riddled roads to sky-high gas prices.
Wondering if your state is one of the rough ones? WalletHub’s latest study dives into the driving conditions across all 50 states, ranking them from best to worst. So, whether you’re dodging traffic in the big city or cringing at the pump prices, this report sheds some light on why your driving experience might be more of a headache than a joyride.
Hawaii
The Aloha State isn’t just known for its stunning landscapes—it’s also the worst state for drivers, according to WalletHub. Owning and operating a vehicle here is famously pricey. No shock there, given that Hawaii tops the charts as the most expensive state in the U.S.
On top of that, Hawaii has the second-highest costs for car ownership and maintenance nationwide. To make matters worse, it has the fewest auto repair shops per capita. So, even if you can afford a car, good luck finding a mechanic when things go south.
Washington
Washington might be beautiful, but it’s not exactly a driver’s paradise. High car ownership costs and low safety ratings make it a tough place to drive. The state ranks 36th in the nation for overall safety—not the worst, but far from the best.
Car thefts are a major issue here. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts in Washington spiked 31% between 2021 and 2022, the second-highest increase in the U.S. WalletHub also found Washington’s car theft rates to be among the highest in the country as we head into 2024.
Delaware
In Delaware, you might save a bit on sales tax, but you’ll burn through that savings idling in traffic. The state ranks among the worst for rush hour congestion, sitting in the bottom five nationally. So, if you’re driving here, prepare for some serious gridlock.
Car costs in Delaware are also on the high side, including maintenance and insurance. Plus, finding an auto repair shop can be a bit of a challenge. On the bright side, the roads are relatively safe, so while you might be stuck in traffic, at least you’re less likely to get into an accident.
West Virginia
West Virginia is all about extremes when it comes to car ownership. WalletHub ranks it as the fourth-worst state, mainly due to high maintenance costs. With few car washes per capita and lots of rain, your car might end up looking worse for wear pretty quickly.
However, it’s not all bad news. West Virginia boasts the lowest rush hour traffic congestion in the country and the third-lowest car theft rate. So, while maintenance might be pricey, at least you won’t be sitting in traffic or worrying about your car being stolen.
California
California’s high cost of living doesn’t stop with housing—it extends to owning and driving a car, too. The Golden State tops the charts as the priciest place to be a driver, with everything from gas to routine maintenance putting a dent in your wallet.
On the flip side, California offers some perks. According to WalletHub, you’ll have the best access to vehicles and maintenance services here. So, while you’ll pay more, at least you won’t struggle to find what you need to keep your car running smoothly.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a mixed bag for drivers. You’ll have no trouble buying a car or getting it serviced, but be prepared for some headaches on the road. Traffic, bad weather, and poorly maintained roads are common here.
WalletHub ranks Massachusetts second-to-last for infrastructure and traffic. Plus, the state has the second-highest maintenance costs in the nation. Keeping your car in good shape will cost you, even though finding a mechanic won’t be an issue.
Nevada
Nevada’s sunny, dry climate makes for great driving conditions all year round. But there’s a catch—gas prices here are pretty steep. In 2023, Nevada had the fourth-highest gas prices in the country, with an average of $4.37 per gallon according to AAA. That’s nearly a dollar more than the national average.
Car theft rates are another downside in Nevada, making vehicle ownership a bit risky. High theft rates can also lead to increased insurance premiums, adding to the overall cost of owning a car in the Silver State.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island might rank low overall in WalletHub’s study, but it takes the top spot for safety. The state has the best safety ranking for car owners, thanks to its low traffic fatality rate, car theft rate, and a small share of uninsured drivers.
However, Rhode Island falls short in other areas. Maintaining and insuring a car here can be pricey, similar to many East Coast states. The state’s traffic and infrastructure also don’t score well, ranking as the fifth-worst in the nation.
Vermont
Vermont’s beautiful four seasons come with a catch—risky driving conditions. Rain and snow are common, and a 2019 study found that your risk of a fatal crash jumps by 34% in bad weather.
WalletHub ranks Vermont as one of the worst states for drivers due to its harsh weather. The state also has the fewest car washes per capita and the fourth-highest auto maintenance costs in the country. On the plus side, Vermont does pretty well in terms of road safety and infrastructure, making it a bit better than some other Northeastern states.
Montana
Montana’s open roads and low population density give it some of the best traffic and infrastructure ratings in the country. But that’s where the good news ends. Montana has the lowest road safety rating of all 50 states and struggles with vehicle and maintenance access.
A 2022 report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety highlighted Montana’s lax roadway safety laws. Nationwide, fatal crashes are on the rise due to speeding and impaired driving, and states with looser laws, like Montana, tend to see more of these issues.
Maryland
Maryland is known for its major highways connecting Baltimore and Washington, D.C., so it’s no surprise the state struggles with traffic. Maryland has some of the worst traffic and infrastructure ratings in the country, with rush hour congestion second only to California’s.
On a brighter note, Maryland ranks 10th in the nation for driver safety. While traffic deaths are rising nationwide, Maryland is doing relatively well with 10.7 motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 residents in 2021, compared to the national average of 14.2.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s frequent rainy and snowy weather makes driving here riskier than in many other states. Bad weather not only increases the risk of fatal crashes but also wears down the roads over time, contributing to New Hampshire’s low infrastructure rating on WalletHub’s list.
However, there are some perks. Car ownership costs in New Hampshire are lower than in many other East Coast states, and it boasts the lowest car theft rates in the U.S. So, while the weather might be a challenge, at least your car is less likely to be stolen.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s reputation for congestion is well-earned. WalletHub ranks it with the third-worst rush hour congestion percentage and the second-worst overall traffic and infrastructure in the U.S. The I-95 and Route 4 intersection in Fort Lee was the most congested road in the country in 2020.
Despite the traffic woes, New Jersey does score high on driver safety. So, while you might be stuck in traffic for a while, you’re generally safer driving here compared to other East Coast states.
Missouri
Missouri’s low auto maintenance costs might seem like a plus, but the state still ranks poorly overall on WalletHub’s list. The main issue? Driver safety. Missouri comes in second-to-last place in this category.
Similar to Montana, Missouri has fewer driver safety laws, which contributes to a higher rate of motor vehicle deaths. In 2021, Missouri had 17.2 fatalities per 100,000 residents, three points higher than the national average.
Colorado
Colorado has some decent perks for drivers, like manageable vehicle ownership costs and good access to maintenance. The state’s infrastructure, traffic, and safety rankings aren’t terrible either. However, one big downside is its high car theft rates, which are the highest in the nation.
There is some good news, though. Car thefts in Colorado decreased by 21% in 2023, suggesting that things might be getting safer for drivers.
Oregon
If you’re a car owner in Oregon, be prepared to pay a bit more. Gas prices here are the fifth-highest in the nation, which significantly bumps up the cost of driving.
Oregon also has the third-highest car theft rate in the country, trailing just behind Washington. This not only makes you more worried about your car but can also lead to higher insurance premiums.
Alaska
Alaska scores high in driver safety, ranking third overall, but its remote location presents some challenges. There’s a shortage of vehicles for sale and qualified mechanics, leading to higher repair and ownership costs.
If you’re in the market for a used car in Alaska, brace yourself. The average cost is around $40,462, according to a 2024 Forbes Advisor study. While car insurance is slightly cheaper at $1,913 annually, what you save on premiums can quickly be offset by steep repair and gas costs.
Connecticut
Connecticut boasts high safety rankings, but the real pain point is the cost of owning and maintaining a car. This issue is pretty common along the East Coast.
AAA reports that keeping a car in Connecticut is pricier than in neighboring states like Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. One reason for the higher costs could be the type of cars people drive here. A spokesperson for AAA mentioned that Connecticut’s high proportion of luxury vehicles likely contributes to the inflated insurance premiums.
Maine
Maine might have the third-lowest rush hour traffic congestion and the second-lowest car theft rate on the Atlantic coast, but there are still some drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive to keep a vehicle here compared to other states.
WalletHub also notes that Maine has one of the lowest numbers of car washes per capita. So, if you take pride in keeping your car spotless, you might find yourself driving a bit to get it washed—or just roll up your sleeves and do it at home.
Michigan
Michigan, home to the Motor City, makes it easy to find a car and a mechanic. But it’s not all smooth driving—the state has the second-highest vehicle ownership costs in the Midwest, just behind Illinois.
WalletHub’s data shows Michigan scores poorly on traffic and infrastructure. Despite the Detroit metro area being designed for drivers, the state is infamous for its road conditions and is often called the pothole capital of the country. So, be prepared for a bumpy ride.
South Carolina
South Carolina is pretty affordable when it comes to owning a car, ranking ninth overall for ownership and maintenance costs. That’s a big plus if you’re watching your budget.
But there’s a dark side: the roads here are some of the deadliest in the country. According to a 2024 study by The Zebra, South Carolina had the fourth-highest rate of fatal car accidents. While crash deaths have decreased over the past decade and a half, neighboring states still fare better in safety.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, finding a car and a good mechanic is a breeze. The state has the second-highest number of auto repair shops per capita, so you’re likely to find a reliable service center nearby.
Traffic, however, is a different story. If you live near a city, expect delays. A 2023 study by TomTom found that Philadelphia has the eighth-worst traffic in the U.S. Overall, Pennsylvania ranks 31st for traffic and infrastructure on WalletHub’s list, meaning your driving experience might be more frustrating than you’d like.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s fifth-lowest gas prices in the U.S. make it affordable at the pump, but that’s where the good news ends. Vehicle costs here are higher than in neighboring Texas and Mississippi. Car insurance averages a staggering $3,545 per year, according to Forbes Advisor, making it the second-highest in the country and nearly $1,400 above the national average.
So, while filling up might be cheaper, the overall expense of owning a car in Louisiana can really add up.
New York
Living in New York means dealing with high costs, and owning a car is no exception. With the high cost of living, car ownership and maintenance are pricey. Traffic and infrastructure issues are expected, especially with New York City being the most populated city in the U.S.
However, New York does have a bright spot with its safety ranking. The state comes in 7th overall on WalletHub’s list, thanks in part to strict traffic laws aimed at reducing distracted and impaired driving, and improving passenger safety.
Kentucky
Kentucky isn’t the worst place to drive, but it doesn’t exactly shine either. WalletHub ranks it 24th overall for vehicle costs, traffic, and infrastructure. While it does okay in terms of safety, it falls short when compared to other states.
Take neighboring Ohio, for instance. Ohio boasts better car ownership costs and more vehicle services like mechanics and car washes. So, if you live in Kentucky but are near the border, you might find yourself heading to Ohio for better service, cheaper gas, or when you’re in the market for a new car.
