Few things in life are more frustrating than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, staring at a sea of brake lights, and questioning all of your life choices. While traffic congestion is a universal struggle, some states take the madness to an entirely different level.
From rush-hour gridlock to never-ending road construction, we’re counting down the 15 worst states for traffic. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just passing through, these places will put your patience—and your gas tank—to the test.
15. Minnesota
Minnesota may be known for its lakes and friendly people, but it’s also home to some surprisingly awful traffic. Minneapolis and St. Paul drivers deal with constant road construction, unpredictable weather, and congestion that makes even the most patient Midwesterner lose their cool.
14. Tennessee
Nashville’s rapid growth has turned its once manageable roads into a commuter’s nightmare. Throw in some unpredictable drivers and a lack of public transit options, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for endless stop-and-go frustration.
13. Georgia
Atlanta alone is enough to land Georgia on this list. Between I-285, I-75, and I-85, you’re almost guaranteed to spend a chunk of your life stuck in gridlock. If there’s even a hint of rain (or worse, snow), expect total chaos.
12. Maryland
Maryland’s traffic woes mostly stem from its proximity to Washington, D.C. The Capital Beltway is infamous for its stop-and-go congestion, and let’s not forget the nightmare that is I-95. If you’re driving through Maryland, just prepare for delays.
11. Washington
Seattle’s traffic is almost as legendary as its coffee. Between narrow highways, constant rain, and a growing population, the city’s roads are often a parking lot. Oh, and if there’s even the slightest chance of snow, expect total gridlock.
10. Arizona
Phoenix has some of the worst rush-hour traffic in the Southwest. With its rapidly expanding population and a highway system that struggles to keep up, commuting here can feel like an endurance test—especially in the blazing summer heat.
9. Massachusetts
Boston drivers are known for their aggressive moves, and for good reason. The city’s roads are outdated, confusing, and always packed. Between the infamous Big Dig and rush-hour standstills, getting anywhere on time is a miracle.
8. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s mix of outdated infrastructure and heavy commuter traffic makes it one of the worst states for drivers. Philadelphia’s congestion is brutal, and let’s not even talk about the potholes that feel like mini-craters on I-76.
7. Florida
Florida traffic is a special kind of nightmare. Between the never-ending tourists, retirees driving 20 mph under the speed limit, and unpredictable road rage incidents, every drive feels like a new adventure—just not a fun one.
6. Virginia
Northern Virginia’s traffic is so legendary, it has its own horror stories. I-95, I-66, and the dreaded Beltway make daily commutes feel like an extreme sport. Even the express lanes sometimes move at a crawl.
5. Texas
Texas may be big, but so is its traffic problem. Houston, Dallas, and Austin are all notorious for gridlock, and the state’s love for never-ending highway construction doesn’t help. Everything’s bigger in Texas—including your commute time.
4. New York
New York City’s traffic is some of the worst in the world, and the rest of the state isn’t much better. Between pothole-ridden streets, constant road work, and an endless sea of taxis, just getting across town can take ages.
3. New Jersey
New Jersey might as well be called the “Land of Traffic Jams.” Between the Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and the nightmare that is getting into NYC, driving here requires patience—and a lot of coffee.
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2. Illinois
Chicago alone pushes Illinois to the top of this list. The Windy City’s traffic is legendary, thanks to its outdated roadways, relentless construction, and congestion that makes every trip feel twice as long as it should.
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1. California
Was there ever any doubt? California’s traffic is in a league of its own. Los Angeles is the undisputed king of gridlock, with drivers wasting hours of their lives stuck on the 405, the 101, and basically every freeway in the state. Even outside of LA, cities like San Francisco and San Diego keep California firmly at the top of the worst traffic list.
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