Maryland drivers losing more than $3,400 annually to congestion and poor roads

ROCKVILLE, Md. (7News) — Drivers in Maryland’s suburbs near Washington, D.C., are paying a steep price for traffic congestion and deteriorating roads, according to a new report from the nonprofit research group TRIP.

The study finds that the average suburban driver loses more than $3,400 each year due to vehicle repairs, wasted gas, and time stuck in traffic. Congestion alone accounts for 90 hours annually—the equivalent of more than two full work weeks—and about 26 gallons of gas consumed in stop-and-go conditions.

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Statewide, nearly 30% of Maryland’s roads are rated poor or mediocre, contributing to a combined $12billion in costs for drivers. This total includes vehicle repairs, traffic delays, and crash-related expenses.

Experts say these costs are the result of underinvestment in road maintenance and rising traffic volumes. Without significant improvements, drivers can expect congestion and road-related expenses to continue climbing.

The financial impact extends beyond Maryland. In neighboring Virginia, poor and mediocre roads cost drivers about $715 annually, while in Washington, D.C., traffic congestion alone wastes 70 hours and over $1,200 per driver each year.

For residents in the DMV area, the report serves as a stark reminder that traffic and road conditions aren’t just a daily inconvenience—they’re a measurable financial burden affecting households across the region.