Memphis is known for the Blues and barbecue, which means it sees a lot of tourist traffic added to its everyday commuter traffic each year. While it’s not quite notorious for gridlock and congestion, Memphis still has its fair share of traffic snarls, and

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Whether you’re planning a road trip to Graceland, a stroll down Beale Street, or a big move to the Blues Capital of the World, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Memphis traffic.

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How bad is Memphis traffic?

Compared to major metro areas like New York or Chicago, Memphis traffic is a piece of cake. Sure, Memphis sees rush hour traffic that often gets complicated by tourist traffic, but with congestion only sapping an average of 32 hours from each driver per year, it earns a green rating from

Tom-Tom

for below-average congestion.

Memphis’s 2021 congestion average of 14% is up 3% from 2020’s COVID-related low of 11%. This was down 4% from 2019’s 15% average.

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Why is Memphis traffic so bad?

From the “NASCAR effect” to an abundance of out-of-repair vehicles, there are a number of factors that can have a negative effect on Memphis’s traffic patterns. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things that most negatively affect Memphis’s traffic:

Speeding and distracted driving

A large percentage of traffic snarls in Memphis are caused by crashes, many of which are the result of speeding or distracted driving. Speeding, especially—sometimes referred to as the NASCAR effect by locals due to the sport’s popularity throughout the state—is responsible for upwards of 36% of crashes in Memphis each year.

Major chokepoints

Unlike many major cities, Memphis highways tend to stay fairly clear, even during rush hour. This is because the majority of commuter and tourist traffic finds itself on surface roads pretty quickly based on Memphis’s unique placement as a large metropolitan area free from a lot of urban sprawl. If you live in Memphis, you tend to live in Memphis, which means I-40 remains open.

This means drivers need to try to avoid specific intersections to keep from getting stuck in red light delays. Some of the worst include Poplar Ave and Ridgeway Road, Walnut Grove Road and Farm Road, Shelby Drive at Lamar Avenue, Hwy 64 at Germantown Road, and Dexter Road at Germantown Road.

Driving habits

Memphis has a population of nearly 1.5 million residents who need to commute an average of 22 minutes per day to work. Over 80% of those commuters make their daily drive alone in a vehicle that may not be in the best repair. Add Memphis’s notoriously poor road conditions into the mix, and you have a recipe for breakdowns, flat tires, and other traffic obstructions that can lead to delays and traffic jams.

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How to navigate Memphis traffic like a pro

Memphis traffic can seem heavy to those who’ve never experienced city traffic. Here are a few tips to handle it like a pro:

Steer clear of rush hour if possible. Though rush hour traffic took a 51% decline during the COVID shutdowns in 2020, rush hour has come back strong again. To avoid it, stay off the roads between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Use I-40 to shave off a few miles. In Memphis, everybody’s either a local or a tourist, which means you don’t have a lot of commuters clogging up I-40. That leaves it fairly open for drivers to hop on for a few exits to avoid some of the more congested intersections.

Use a traffic app.

Tom-Tom

Google maps

, and

Waze

all offer apps that allow you to see real-time traffic information with suggestions to avoid traffic snarls. Local news stations also offer individual apps that support traffic updates.

Stay calm, stay focused, and stay back. You’re going to find yourself stuck in traffic at some point, so be ready for when it happens. Memphis residents are infamous for their road rage, but it’s important to remain calm and focused. Leave your phone alone, keep your attention on the road, and be sure to leave space between you and the car in front of you to avoid a rear-end collision chain reaction.

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The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Prepare for Memphis traffic by updating your car insurance

No matter what’s bringing you to Memphis, be sure to

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FAQs

Is Memphis hard to drive in?

Compared to other major metropolitan areas, Memphis can be pretty easy to navigate, even in rush hour conditions.

What is the best time to drive through Memphis?

If you’re on the highway, you're good to go no matter what time you drive, but if you’ll be hitting surface roads, try to keep your driving to early morning, mid-afternoon, and evening.

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