Whether a country drives on the left or the right of the road determines which side the steering wheel sits on and how every junction, roundabout, and overtake works. This reference is most useful before renting a car abroad, importing a vehicle, or simply satisfying curiosity about why some countries do it differently.
The fundamental rule: opposite sides
Driving side and steering-wheel side are always on opposite sides of the car. In left-hand traffic (LHT) countries, cars use right-hand drive (RHD) — the driver sits on the right, closer to the road’s centre line, giving better visibility of oncoming traffic. In right-hand traffic (RHT) countries, cars use left-hand drive (LHD).
About 75 countries and territories currently drive on the left, which covers roughly one-third of the world’s population. The majority are former British territories, though a few (like Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan) adopted the convention independently.
Countries that changed sides
| Country | Changed | New side | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 3 Sep 1967 (“Dagen H”) | Right | Align with neighbours Norway and Finland, and reduce cross-border accidents |
| Samoa | 7 Sep 2009 | Left | Align with Australia and New Zealand for cheaper right-hand-drive used imports |
| Ghana | 1974 | Right | Post-independence road standardisation |
These transitions are rare and require years of planning: road markings, traffic signals, bus door layouts, and public habits all need to change simultaneously. Sweden’s switch was considered one of the most complex peacetime logistical operations of its time.
Practical notes for travellers
Roundabouts are the biggest hazard. The direction of travel around a roundabout reverses when you switch traffic sides — a point where muscle memory from home is most likely to cause an error. Approach the first few slowly and look for painted arrows.
Turns across traffic: In an LHT country, you cross oncoming traffic on a right turn. In an RHT country, you cross it on a left turn. Again, the opposite of what you’re used to.
Vehicle orientation: In RHD countries, the gear lever is typically on the left of the driver. Your dominant hand may reach instinctively to the right and grab the door instead.
Shared borders: Some countries share a land border but drive on opposite sides — for example Mozambique (left) and Tanzania (left) share borders with Malawi (left), Zambia (left), and Zimbabwe (left), but share them also with Rwanda (right) and Democratic Republic of Congo (right). At certain remote crossings the road itself has a formal side-swap zone.
Importing vehicles: A right-hand-drive car imported into a right-hand-traffic country is legal in many places but may require modifications or carry insurance implications. Always check local regulations before importing.
Left-hand traffic — selected countries
UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malta, Cyprus, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Papua New Guinea.
Right-hand traffic — selected countries
USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, all of continental Europe, China, Russia, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Iran, Argentina, Colombia.