Wearing a Mask While Driving Leads to More Accidents, Higher Insurance Rates

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

Some drivers wear a face mask while driving—because they’re sick, they’re carpooling with people outside their household, they’re doing rideshare, or they just prefer the added protection during respiratory-virus season.

Wearing a mask in the car is usually a personal choice, but there’s one important caveat: anything that distracts you or blocks your vision can raise your crash risk—and crashes (not masks) are what lead to higher insurance premiums.

Below, we’ll explain when wearing a mask while driving can be risky, when it might make sense, and how to do it safely without creating a distraction.

Key Takeaways

• Wearing a mask while driving doesn’t directly raise car insurance rates—accidents and tickets do.
• The biggest risks are distraction (adjusting your mask) and reduced visibility (foggy glasses or a slipping mask).
• If you need to mask while driving (carpool, rideshare, sick passenger), adjust the fit before driving and pull over to fix fogging or discomfort.
• Don’t hang masks from your rearview mirror—anything that blocks your view can be dangerous and may be ticketable in some states.

Can Wearing a Mask While Driving Raise Your Insurance Rates?

Not directly. Car insurance companies don’t raise your premium because you wore a mask. They raise rates after things like at-fault crashes, tickets, or other risk signals on your driving record.

Where masks can matter is indirectly: if a mask causes you to lose visibility (foggy glasses), fumble with the fit, or become distracted, it could contribute to an at-fault accident. And a single at-fault accident can significantly increase premiums for years.

When a Mask Can Increase Crash Risk

For most people, a properly worn mask won’t cause a driving problem. The real risks tend to come from distraction and visibility—especially if you’re adjusting the mask while moving.

• Adjusting the mask while driving: Tugging ear loops, fixing a slipping mask, or repositioning it is distracting.
• Fogged-up glasses or sunglasses: Even a brief loss of clarity can be dangerous at speed.
• Poor fit that blocks your view: If a mask rides up toward your eyes or shifts when you turn your head, fix it before you drive.
• Feeling lightheaded or anxious: Most people tolerate masks well, but if you feel dizzy, overheated, or short of breath, pull over somewhere safe and remove it.

Bottom line: if wearing a mask makes you more likely to get distracted or lose visibility, it’s a safety issue—not an insurance issue—until it leads to a crash or citation.

When Wearing a Mask While Driving Makes Sense

You generally don’t need a mask when you’re alone in your own vehicle. But wearing one can be reasonable in situations like:

• You’re carpooling with people outside your household (especially if someone is sick or high-risk).
• You’re driving for Uber/Lyft/taxi or transporting multiple passengers (follow platform and local guidance).
• You’re sick and must drive with others (masking can help reduce spread).
• You’re making frequent stops and don’t want to repeatedly remove and reapply your mask.

How to Wear a Mask Safely While Driving

If you choose to wear a mask while driving, these simple steps can reduce risk:

• Adjust it before you put the car in gear. Make sure it fits snugly and won’t slip when you turn your head to check mirrors and blind spots.
• Prevent fogging. Use a better-fitting mask with a nose wire, seal the top edge, and position glasses properly. If fogging starts, pull over to fix it—don’t keep driving “half-blind.”
• Keep a spare mask within reach. If one breaks or gets uncomfortable, you can swap it quickly while parked.
• Don’t hang masks from your rearview mirror. Anything hanging there can block your view and may violate obstruction rules in some states.
• If you feel unwell, pull over. If you feel dizzy, overheated, or short of breath, get to a safe location, remove the mask, and get fresh air.

A Note on “Masks and Oxygen”

You may have seen headlines about drivers passing out while wearing masks. Isolated incidents have been reported, but for most healthy people, common masks are not known to cause dangerous oxygen drops in normal conditions. That said, comfort matters: if a mask makes you feel panicky, overheated, or distracted, it’s not the right setup for driving.

If you’re doing long drives, consider taking breaks, staying hydrated, and choosing a comfortable mask that fits well and doesn’t interfere with your vision.

Yes, a Crash Can Raise Your Premiums

If mask-related distraction contributes to a collision, your insurer can raise premiums the same way it would after any at-fault accident. Even with accident forgiveness, many drivers see higher costs after a claim, and the impact can last for 3 to 5 years.

FAQs on Wearing a Mask While Driving

Final Word on Wearing a Mask While Driving

Wearing a mask while driving doesn’t directly affect your insurance rates. But if it leads to distraction or reduced visibility, it can increase your crash risk—and an at-fault accident is what can make your premiums jump.

If you don’t need to wear a mask while driving, you may be safer (and more comfortable) without one. If you do need to wear one, set it up before you drive, keep your vision clear, and avoid adjusting it while the vehicle is moving.