• New Hampshire ranks first nationwide with an average of 10.57 crashes caused by unlicensed and unregistered drivers between 2019 and 2023. 
  • Tennessee and Louisiana follow in second and third place, with 2.13 and 1.90 crashes per 100,000 residents, respectively. 
  • Conversely, states such as California, Ohio, and Idaho recorded some of the lowest crash rates linked to unlicensed or unregistered drivers.

A new study revealed that New Hampshire experiences the highest per-capita rate of unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes in the United States.

The research conducted by Kuzyk Law analyzed five years of data (2019–2023) from the Federal Crash Data Query Tool (CDAN) across all 50 states. The study measured Average License and Registration Violations Crashes per 100,000 residents, providing a clear look at how unlicensed and unregistered drivers contribute to roadway dangers.

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New Hampshire ranks first with an average of 10.57 unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes per 100,000 residents, 1087.64% higher than the national rate of 0.89 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 1,384,938, the Granite State recorded an annual average of 146 crashes involving license and registration violations from 2019 to 2023. The most crashes occurred in 2022 (196 crashes), while the lowest occurred in 2019 (80 crashes).

Tennessee ranks second with an average of 2.13 unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes per 100,000 residents, 139.326% higher than the national rate of 0.89 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 6,981,662, the Volunteer State recorded an annual average of 148 crashes involving license and registration violations from 2019 to 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2021 (178 crashes), while the lowest occurred in 2023 (105 crashes).

Louisiana ranks third with an average of 1.90 unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes per 100,000 residents, 113.483% higher than the national rate of 0.89 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 4,617,771, the Pelican State recorded an annual average of 88 crashes involving license and registration violations from 2019 to 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2021 (103), while the lowest occurred in 2023 (66).

Looking at the study, Mark Anderson – attorney at Kuzyk Law, commented,

“Unlicensed and unregistered drivers often fly under the radar of enforcement but seriously threaten public safety. 

“The data shows that this issue isn’t confined to one region; it’s a nationwide problem that requires stronger oversight and public awareness. Every unlicensed or unregistered driver represents a legal and physical potential hazard for other road users.”

Nevada ranks fourth with an average of 1.64 unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes per 100,000 residents, 84.2697% higher than the national rate of 0.89 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 3,142,387, the Silver State recorded an annual average of 52 crashes involving license and registration violations from 2019 to 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2023 (97), while the lowest occurred in 2022 (31).

Washington ranks fifth with an average of 1.62 unlicensed and unregistered driver crashes per 100,000 residents, 82.0225% higher than the national rate of 0.89 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 7,735,363, the Evergreen State recorded an annual average of 125 crashes involving license and registration violations from 2019 to 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2022 (153), while the lowest occurred in 2019 (104).

Delaware ranks sixth with 1.59 crashes per 100,000 residents, followed by Arizona (7th, 1.44), Mississippi (8th, 1.40), New Mexico (9th, 1.27), and North Dakota (10th, 1.24).

Table of Extended Results:

Top 10 U.S. States Where Unlicensed and Unregistered Drivers Are Most Likely to Cause Crashes (2019–2023)
StateLicense and Registration Violations Crashes per 100,000 residentsRank
New Hampshire10.571
Tennessee2.132
Louisiana1.903
Nevada1.644
Washington1.625
Delaware1.596
Arizona1.447
Mississippi1.408
New Mexico1.279
North Dakota1.2410

The study was conducted by Kuzyk Law, a law firm specializing in representation for car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, bike, pedestrian, and catastrophic injury claims. With over four decades of experience and a track record serving 100,000+ clients, they offer free consultations and no upfront fees.

Methodology

The study analyzed crash data caused by license and registration violations across all 50 U.S. states between 2019 and 2023, sourced from the Federal Crash Data Query Tool (CDAN). Researchers calculated the Average License and Registration Violations Crashes per 100,000 residents to determine which states face the greatest risk. Higher numbers indicate a greater likelihood of unlicensed and unregistered driver involvement in crashes.

Data Source