Oct 25, 2024
Curious minds and travellers alike have long wondered why some countries drive on the right side of the road and some drive on the left.
Since a global standard driving system doesn’t exist, the world is split on whether driving on the right or left is the ‘right’ way. The contrasting approach to road rules creates a unique challenge for travellers driving in right-hand-drive countries, as everything feels flipped on its head!
Over 70 countries follow the right-hand drive rule, so chances are, you will encounter right-hand driving at some point in your travels, and we want you to be as prepared as possible for some time on the road.
Before you find yourself blissfully driving on the wrong side of the road on your next holiday, we’ve provided a complete list of right-hand drive countries, the history behind this practice, which side is easier to drive on, and some helpful right-hand drive tips to get your road trip started!
The labelling of right-hand drive and right-side traffic can often lead to confusion. Here are some clear definitions to avoid any blurred lines.
Right-hand drive (RHD) means the steering wheel is on the right, and the area flows with left-hand traffic (LHT).
Right-hand traffic (RHT) means traffic keeps to the right, and cars usually have the steering wheel on the left (LHD)
Rather than list right-hand drive countries and left-hand drive countries, which would be an extremely extensive list, this is a complete list of right-hand drive countries. Any countries not on the following list are left-hand drives.
Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Cyprus, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Ireland, Jersey, Malta, United Kingdom
Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbados, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands
Guyana, Suriname
While it might appear a dull topic, the history of driving on the right or left side of the road is a surprisingly fascinating dive into cultural influences and historical events. Around two-thirds of the globe drives on the right side of the road. So, how did some countries end up driving on the left?
Well, history shows that driving on the left side of the road actually came first!
In the Middle Ages, horse riders and cart drivers rode on the left side to have their right arm closer to a potential attacker coming from the opposite direction. In these violent societies, it was simply more sensible to drive with your dominant hand (usually right) free to grab your sword in case of attack.
This custom was first solidified by the British government in 1835. Driving on the left side of the road was regulated in Britain, and the practice spread through many of the British Empire’s colonies, including India, Australia, and New Zealand.
In a European world where driving on the left was becoming standard, left-handed Napoleon Bonaparte preferred driving on the right. He made this a rule everywhere he conquered, including Italy, Germany, and Poland.
It’s unknown whether Napoleon’s motivations behind driving on the right side of the road were down to going against the French aristocracy, who travelled on the left, or if he wanted everything anti-British.
By the end of the 19th Century, there was a global inconsistency in driving practices, with some countries driving on the right side of the road and others on the left. When automobiles started to come on the scene in the early 1900s, it was a free-for-all as to which side of the car the steering wheel was on.
That was the case until Henry Ford created the first mass-produced automobile. The Ford Model T. Ford placed the steering wheel on the left side, and since the car was a huge success, left-hand drive cars took over the industry and became the norm.
While many countries switched to left-hand drive cars to align with neighbouring countries and car exports, the UK and many of its former colonies retained the right-side tradition, which is the reason this divide in driving habits still exists today.
Countries have had road traffic rules in place for decades, yet some countries continue to switch the side of the road they drive. As you can imagine, changing road networks, signage, and driver habits is a monumental effort, but switching from left to right-hand drive (or vice versa) is a decision that’s influenced by historical and practical factors.
Some Canadian provinces, which drove on the left side of the road, switched to the right between 1920 and 1947. The change was made to make border crossings with the United States of America more manageable since the US has long been a right-side traffic country.
In 1967, Sweden also decided to switch from driving on the left of the road to the right. Before the change, drivers would be confused when crossing the border from neighbouring countries Finland and Norway, which would lead to road traffic accidents. To bring Sweden in line with other mainland European countries, a big operation was undertaken to switch the country’s driving direction. Following Sweden’s successful changeover, Iceland followed suit the year after.
After decades without a country switching driving direction, in 2009, Samoa officially switched to driving on the left side of the road — the last major change of this kind. This, too, was done to align with neighbouring countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. The Samoan government also recognised that it would be cheaper to import cars from neighbours than from countries such as the US.
Around 90% of humans are right-handed, and this lends to their right legs and eyes also dominating. Studies have shown that this has led to the left side of the road being slightly easier and safer.
Think about it; when driving on the left side of the road (with the steering wheel on the right), your right eye is used to see beyond the car in front of you, and the rearview mirror and your dominant right hand is the mainstay hand on the wheel while the left is used to shift gears.
Admittedly, the difference is marginal, and often, it’s a matter of personal preference and what you’re used to. For example, a driver would feel safer driving on a street they know compared to a new one. The same goes for driving on the other side of the road. Both are safe; it’s just a matter of what you’re used to.
Don’t let driving on the other side of the road when you’re on holiday put you off, though. Driving in a new country can be an exciting experience. With a little planning, it won’t take long for your driving instincts and awareness to kick in, and then you’ll find that driving on the other side of the road isn’t as challenging as it seems!
Driving in a right-hand drive county can be quite an adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re a curious traveller or rub shoulders with a country with opposing traffic rules, you may need to drive on the other side! But don’t panic. It’s not as scary as it might first seem, especially when you have some helpful tips.
Research the rules
Before setting off, familiarise yourself with the local traffic laws and signs. Pay close attention to lane markings and pedestrian crossings especially.
Ride along
Use ride-hailing to ride as a passenger before you jump straight into the driving seat. This way, you can observe how the roads work and the differences between them and what you’re used to.
Follow the flow of traffic
When other cars are on the road, simply follow the cars in front of you.
Pass on the right
When you need to pass a slower vehicle, remember that things are reversed. The left-most lane is now the slowest lane and is where you should be unless you need to pass a slower vehicle. This is important to remember when you’re on a multi-lane highway or motorway.
Focus when turning
When everything is flipped, turning can be a hard thing to get your head around. It can be easy to accidentally aim for the wrong lane mid-turn. Knowing this is a common mishap will help you use extra focus when turning.
For more tips on getting better at driving, tap here.
How many countries drive on the right side of the road?
More countries drive on the right side of the road than on the left. While the exact number can vary slightly, amongst UN-recognised countries, it’s estimated that around 65% of the world’s population lives in countries that drive on the right side of the road.
Why are European steering wheels on the right?
Most European countries drive on the right and, as such, have the driver seated on the left side.
The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta are the only right-hand drive countries in Europe, meaning most European cars have steering wheels on the left side. Of course, car manufacturers offer right-hand-drive cars for countries that drive on the left, but the overall production of left-hand-drive vehicles is significantly higher.
Is driving on the right-hand side easier?
Although some insist that one side is the ‘right’ way, often it comes down to personal preference. Because most of us are right-handed, many find right-hand drive cars more natural, as the driver can use the right hand as the main steering hand and the left control the gear shift.
Similarly, the layout of a country’s road network can influence the ease of driving. For example, right-hand driving is safer at roundabouts, and left-hand driving is better at other types of intersections.
Do more countries drive on the right or left-hand side of the road?
Most countries drive on the right side of the road. This is mainly because of Napoleon’s influence in spreading right-side traffic across Europe and the allure of American automobiles in the 1900s, which were almost always left-hand drive. Many other countries simply followed suit.
Can I take my car to a country that drives on the left?
Yes! Whether you have a right-hand-drive or left-hand-drive car, you can generally take your car to a country that drives on the opposite side.
Through the Bolt app, you can order safe and convenient rides in countries worldwide, some right-hand drive and some left-hand drive.
Experience alternate driving styles by jumping in the driving seat using Bolt’s car-sharing platform. Or if nerves get the better of you and you’d rather travel as a passenger, Bolt ride-hailing helps you get around fast and comfortably.
Download the Bolt app for convenient transport for every occasion!
