By MSN Money staff
If you're hitting the road for the holiday weekend, you're probably already prepared to scan the horizon for Ford Crown Victorias lying in wait, speed guns in hand.
Worst states to own a car
But if you're in New Jersey, Ohio or Maryland, you'll want to keep one finger hovering over the cruise control's cancel button at all times. They're the worst places to drive, according to the National Motorists Association, which has ranked conditions in all states (see the full list here) according to these 17 criteria:
Speed traps per capita (the number of speed traps listed on SpeedTrap.org indexed to population).
Does the state have "driver responsibility" fees?
Does the state have mayor's courts?
Does the state authorize the use of roadblocks?
What are the freeway speed limits?
Does the state have red-light cameras?
Does the state have speed cameras?
Are there toll roads in the state?
Is a jury trial available for traffic violations?
Is trial by declaration (asserting a defense in writing without appearing in court) available?
Is the state a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact?
Is the state a member of the Driver License Compact?
Are radar detectors banned in the state?
Does the state have a primary seat-belt law?
Are there adult helmet laws in the state?
Are there move-over laws in the state?
Is cell phone use while driving banned?
COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE