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Millions of Americans do not drive. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about one-third of the U.S. population lacks a driver’s license.
The reasons are varied and concrete: many Americans are physically unable to drive due to disabilities like low vision, epilepsy, or mobility impairments; others are too young, too old, or have health conditions that make driving unsafe.
A significant portion cannot afford car ownership because of high costs related to vehicles, insurance, and maintenance. Some individuals are legally restricted due to license suspensions or documentation issues, especially among undocumented and formerly incarcerated populations.
In addition, more young people today, especially from Generation Z, are choosing not to drive due to economic hardship and lifestyle preferences.
These realities demonstrate that non-driving is not rare or unusual — it is widespread and affects people of every age, race, and background.
Despite this, America’s transportation system is built almost entirely around car use, leaving non-drivers without safe, reliable, or affordable alternatives.
Main Reasons Americans Don’t Drive
| Category | Description | Notes |
| Disabilities | Disabilities such as low vision, blindness, epilepsy, brain injuries, PTSD, and mobility issues prevent driving. | Many hidden disabilities are overlooked. |
| Age | People under 16 and older adults with health issues cannot drive safely. | 10–15% of the population is under 16. Older adults may self-restrict driving. |
| Financial Barriers | High cost of car ownership, maintenance, and insurance. Inaccessible adaptive vehicles for disabled individuals. | Car costs disproportionately impact Black households. |
| Legal and Documentation Issues | Undocumented individuals fear government tracking; formerly incarcerated individuals often have suspended licenses. | License suspensions are frequently linked to minor violations. |
| Personal Choice | Younger generations (especially Gen Z) opt out due to cost, environmental concerns, or stress. | 50% of teens got licenses in the ’90s; now only 25%. |
| Household Dynamics | Not all household members share equal access to a car, even if one is owned. | Gender and social dynamics influence vehicle access. |
This table clearly illustrates that non-driving is not a niche issue but a widespread reality affecting many segments of American society.
Disabilities alone account for millions of people unable to drive, with conditions like epilepsy or low vision making it dangerous or illegal for them to operate a vehicle.
Financial barriers are equally powerful; in 2024, the average cost of owning and maintaining a car rose to over $12,000 per year, which puts car ownership out of reach for millions of Americans, especially marginalized groups.
Legal issues such as license suspensions disproportionately harm poor individuals, not due to dangerous driving but often from unpaid fines for minor violations like broken taillights.
Gen Z’s declining rates of license acquisition reflect a cultural and economic shift where car ownership is no longer seen as a default milestone of adulthood.
Household dynamics show that even within “car-owning” families, access can be unequal, often disadvantaging women, teens, and elders.
Overall, non-driving results from a combination of physical, financial, legal, and cultural barriers, not just personal preference.
Impact of a Car-Centric System on Non-Drivers
| Problem Area | Effect on Non-Drivers |
| Social Exclusion | Dependence on others for transportation reduces independence and limits social participation. |
| Economic Barriers | Limits access to employment, education, and healthcare opportunities. |
| Safety Concerns | Non-drivers may face unsafe travel environments not designed for walking, biking, or transit use. |
| Mental Health | Lack of autonomy and social isolation contribute to poor mental health outcomes. |
A transportation system designed around car ownership creates significant systemic exclusion. Social exclusion becomes visible when individuals are forced to rely on others for basic mobility needs, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, or visiting friends.
If a non-driver has no one available to drive them, they may simply miss essential activities, which can lead to isolation.
Economically, non-drivers face lower access to employment opportunities; for example, studies show that living without a car in most U.S. cities cuts job access by more than 60%.
Many healthcare systems assume patients can drive themselves to appointments, ignoring that missed care leads to worse health outcomes for non-drivers.
Safety concerns are amplified because infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit is often incomplete or missing in suburban and rural areas, putting non-drivers at greater physical risk when trying to travel independently.
Finally, mental health declines when individuals lose autonomy, especially when transportation dependence becomes tied to feelings of helplessness, guilt, or burdensomeness. In sum, car-centric planning not only marginalizes non-drivers but severely impacts their quality of life across social, economic, and health dimensions.
Solutions to Better Support Non-Drivers
| Action | Description |
| Increase Visibility | Acknowledge the existence and needs of non-drivers publicly and politically. |
| Better Infrastructure | Invest in safe walking paths, public transit, bike lanes, and accessible transportation options. |
| Policy Changes | Address land use, housing, and affordability to reduce car dependency. |
| Inclusive Planning | Involve non-drivers in transportation and city planning decisions. |
Solutions must start with making non-drivers visible in transportation and urban planning conversations. Recognizing their existence forces policymakers to confront gaps in service.
Building better infrastructure means investing in comprehensive public transit, pedestrian-safe streets, and bike networks — examples include cities like Portland and Minneapolis, which have demonstrated how multi-modal transportation investments can reduce car dependence.
Policy change is equally critical; land use reforms such as mixed-use zoning, denser housing, and affordable housing near transit hubs enable people to live without needing a car. Inclusive planning requires not just consulting non-drivers but integrating their feedback into design — for example, ensuring bus stops are sheltered, sidewalks are continuous, and intersections prioritize pedestrian safety.
According to transportation studies, emerging services are helping address gaps for non-drivers, particularly in regions with limited public transit. For example, Hitch, a regional ride-sharing platform, provides scheduled intercity rides between nearby cities without requiring private car ownership.
Conclusion
Millions of Americans do not drive due to disability, financial barriers, legal obstacles, youth, aging, or conscious choice. The current transportation system marginalizes them economically, socially, and physically. To build a more equitable society, policymakers must recognize the diversity among non-drivers, design inclusive transportation systems, and shift planning away from the assumption that everyone drives.
