Top 10 States That HATE Truckers (And Why You Should Avoid Them)

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Some States Just Can’t Stand Truckers – Here’s Why

Ever feel like some states have a personal vendetta against truck drivers? Like, they rolled out the red carpet for four-wheelers but hit truckers with potholes, bad regulations, and ridiculous fines? You’re not imagining it! Some states make life on the road a nightmare, whether it’s through sky-high tolls, terrible infrastructure, or cops who treat every trucker like a criminal. Let’s break down the 10 worst offenders—and why you might want to avoid them.

1. California – The Ultimate Trucking Villain

If trucking had a supervillain, it’d be California. Emissions regulations? Ridiculous. Traffic? A nightmare. Parking? Nonexistent. Want to own your own truck? Too bad, AB5 just crushed independent trucking in the state. California wants its goods but not the truckers who bring them.

2. New York – The Land of Tolls and Ticket Traps

If the potholes don’t get you, the tolls will. The New York Thruway is one giant cash grab, and don’t even get us started on the congestion in NYC. Low bridges, strict idling laws, and expensive parking (if you can even find it) make this state a trucker’s worst nightmare.

3. New Jersey – Like New York, But Somehow Worse

New Jersey could be the villain’s sidekick in the war against truckers. High fuel taxes, never-ending construction zones, and truck bans on certain highways make it one of the most frustrating places to drive through. Oh, and let’s not forget their confusing jughandles instead of left turns. Who thought that was a good idea?

4. Illinois – The Speed Trap Capital

Illinois is home to some of the most aggressive DOT inspections in the country. Plus, Chicago traffic is a test of patience only rivaled by New York. Want to take I-294 around the city? Hope you’ve got extra cash because the tolls will eat your wallet alive.

5. Oregon – The Land of Overregulation

Oregon loves its weigh stations and loves finding reasons to fine truckers. They even make you pay a weight-mile tax instead of just charging fuel tax like normal states. And if you’re thinking about pumping your own fuel at a truck stop? Think again—it’s illegal in Oregon.

6. Washington – Where Truckers Pay the Price

Between their brutal chain laws in the winter, outrageous fuel taxes, and a growing list of anti-trucking regulations, Washington State isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for truckers. Plus, Seattle traffic? Just don’t.

7. Virginia – DOT’s Favorite Playground

Virginia has some of the worst truck speed enforcement in the country. If you’re even thinking about creeping over the limit, expect to see those blue lights in your mirror. And if you’re hauling overweight? Just go ahead and hand over your paycheck.

8. Massachusetts – A Trucking Horror Story

The roads are ancient, the traffic is horrific, and the road signs make no sense. Oh, and Boston’s Big Dig? It’s still a mess. Massachusetts also has a lot of areas where trucks are banned, but good luck figuring out the right detour—GPS probably won’t help.

9. Connecticut – Small State, Big Hassles

Toll proposals that unfairly target truckers, limited parking, and sky-high fuel prices make Connecticut one of the worst places to drive through. Their DOT seems to think every trucker is guilty until proven innocent, with aggressive enforcement that makes life miserable.

10. Rhode Island – The Toll Scam State

Rhode Island might be small, but they sure know how to make truckers miserable. They introduced truck-only tolls, claiming it was for infrastructure repair. Then, surprise surprise, those tolls were found to be unconstitutional—but not before truckers forked over millions.

The Bottom Line – Should You Avoid These States?

If you can reroute around these states, your sanity (and your wallet) will thank you. But if you have to roll through, be prepared—watch your speed, check those regulations, and budget extra for tolls. Some states make truckers feel like public enemy #1, but we all know the truth: no truckers, no economy. Maybe one day, they’ll figure that out.

What Do You Think?

Have you had a run-in with one of these states? Or is there a state missing from this list that deserves the crown for worst trucker treatment? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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