States With the Most Dangerous Driving Laws

Be Careful When Driving Through These States

Experienced cross-country travelers know that, as they move from one state to another, the sights and sounds change dramatically. There’s more to a state line than a change in climate and demographics — the laws change, too, which can result in an unexpected speeding or traffic ticket. Some states crack down hard on offenses like DUIs or texting while driving, while others are notoriously lax on enforcement. These laws don’t just affect how much you’re likely to pay in fines; there’s also a correlation between dangerous driving laws and higher driving fatalities.

That’s according to the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety (AHAS), which pushes for stricter driving laws across the country. In the organization’s annual Roadmap, a publication about nationwide road safety, nine states earn a Red rating, which means that the “State falls dangerously behind in adoption of key safety laws.” In other words, these are the states that have the fewest laws on the books that help protect users of that state’s roadways. Here are the states where drivers are the least regulated.

Arizona

Drivers from other states should be especially wary as they’re crossing Arizona: here, teen drivers get almost no formal supervision, and there’s no law prohibiting texting while driving. Adults must buckle their children into appropriate booster seats, but they don’t need to buckle in themselves, and there’s also no law that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. These lax driving safety laws make Arizona’s roadways among the most dangerous in the country.

Florida

In Florida, front seat passengers must be buckled up, but there’s no law requiring rear passengers to do the same, and the law about child booster seats isn’t strong enough to satisfy the AHAS. Florida’s teen drivers must hold a permit for six months and complete some supervised driving, but after that, there are no restrictions. This state has an open container law on the books, at least, but text messaging while driving is totally fine in the eyes of the law.

Iowa

Iowa is another state that’s passed only the most basic driving safety laws. Younger drivers only get minimal supervision, it’s legal to text while behind the wheel, and only front seat passengers are required to use restraints. Though Iowa has some of the recommended laws in place for DUI offenders, it’s still high on the list of states with the most dangerous driving laws.

Mississippi

This state enforces just six of the driving laws considered optimal by the AHAS, and though there are a few more on the books, the organization doesn’t consider them strict enough to count. Bikers must wear helmets in Missouri, text messaging is banned, and DUI offenders are subject to ignition locks in their cars, but otherwise, safety is largely up to the individual.

Montana

According to the AHAS, Montana has some of the most dangerous driving laws in the country. Seatbelt laws are nonexistent, and there is only a partial law requiring children to be restrained. Teen drivers get some basic supervision, but not as much as experts recommend. On the upside, open containers are banned and DUI offenders can be charged with child endangerment, if applicable.

Nebraska

In the Cornhusker State, law enforcement takes a fairly firm stance against DUI offenders, who can be charged with child endangerment (when applicable) and whose cars are fitted with breathalyzer ignition locks. Aside from that, safety is largely up to the individual, who can choose whether or not to wear safety belts or motorcycle helmets, where texting behind the wheel is just fine, and where teens with freshly-printed permits have free reign over the roads.

North Dakota

North Dakota takes a fairly tough stance on DUIs, although this state stops short of requiring offenders to take a breathalyzer test before driving. Aside from that, the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety’s Red rating is a red flag. Drivers in North Dakota don’t have to strap in themselves, and the laws about children’s booster seats don’t satisfy the AHAS’ recommendations. Motorcyclists don’t need to gear up here, and teen drivers get little supervision before they (and their friends) are unleashed on the roadways.

South Dakota

This state has some of the most dangerous driving laws in the country. According to the 2016 Roadmap, South Dakota has passed just two of the laws that AHAS considers optimal: a restriction on teen drivers operating at night, and an open container law. Aside from that, South Dakota roadways operate on all but an “anything goes” policy, and according to safety experts, has a lot of catching up to do.

Wyoming

As far as driving safety laws go, Wyoming has the basics covered. Kids must be strapped in. Teen drivers need some supervision. No texting. And if you get a DUI with kids in the car, a child endangerment charge is possible. However, Wyoming is lacking in terms of teen driving laws and alcohol related laws. As we’ve seen, this minimal approach to regulation leaves a lot of gaps, making Wyoming one of the most dangerous states for driving.

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

You can learn even more about driving safety at the U.S. News blog. Our new car rankings list the crash test scores of most vehicles on the market, as well as what safety equipment they come with. Once you're ready to buy, the U.S. News Best Price Program can save you thousands off MSRP by helping you find the dealer in your area with the best price.