Are German cars left-hand drive?

Yes. Cars built for Germany are left-hand drive (LHD) because the country drives on the right side of the road. German manufacturers also produce right-hand-drive (RHD) versions for countries where traffic keeps left—such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia—and RHD vehicles can be registered and used in Germany, though they are uncommon.

Why cars in Germany are left-hand drive

Steering-wheel position is determined by which side of the road a country uses. Germany, like most of continental Europe and North America, drives on the right, so domestic-market vehicles have the steering wheel on the left. This layout optimizes driver visibility for overtaking and junctions in right-traffic environments.

Where right-hand-drive versions are sold

German carmakers export tailored RHD versions to meet local laws and driving norms in left-traffic countries. This ensures compliance and safer ergonomics for drivers in those markets.

Here are examples of left-traffic countries that typically receive RHD versions of German models:

• United Kingdom and Ireland (Europe)
• Japan (Asia)
• Australia and New Zealand (Oceania)
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka (South Asia)
• Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei (Southeast Asia)
• South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini (Africa)
• Hong Kong and Macau
• Cyprus and Malta (EU countries with left-hand traffic)

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the main markets where RHD German cars are commonplace due to left-side driving rules.

German brands and their steering configurations

Major German automakers engineer platforms for both LHD and RHD, enabling global sales without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.

• Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche
• BMW and Mini (Mini is a British brand owned by BMW)
• Mercedes-Benz (including smart models in relevant markets)
• Opel (part of Stellantis)

Across these brands, most models offer factory RHD variants for left-traffic markets, while LHD remains standard for Germany, the EU mainland, and North America.

Registering or using a right-hand-drive car in Germany

Is it legal?

Yes. RHD vehicles are legal in Germany. They can be registered if they meet safety and lighting standards applicable to right-traffic operation and pass inspection.

What typically needs attention

If you’re importing or moving an RHD car to Germany, expect technical checks to align the vehicle with right-traffic requirements and German/EU regulations.

1. Lighting: Headlights must have the correct beam pattern for right-traffic roads (to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers). Adjustments or replacements may be required.
2. Rear fog lamp and lighting compliance: A rear fog light is mandatory; its placement and function must comply with ECE rules.
3. Speedometer: Must display km/h clearly (mph can remain as a secondary scale).
4. Mirrors: Adequate field of view is required; compliant mirrors are usually standard on modern cars.
5. Inspection and paperwork: TÜV/DEKRA inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) and, if applicable, an individual approval (Einzelabnahme) for non-type-approved imports; then registration at the local Zulassungsstelle.

Most late-model RHD vehicles already meet many ECE requirements; lighting and documentation are the most common hurdles.

Driving practicalities: switching between regions

Moving between LHD and RHD environments can be disorienting. German travelers to left-traffic countries—and vice versa—should adapt vehicle choice and habits accordingly.

• Rent a car configured for the local traffic side for better visibility and safety.
• Be extra cautious at intersections, when overtaking, and at roundabouts—common points of error when switching sides.
• Use driver aids (blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist) when available, but don’t rely on them exclusively.

These practical steps reduce risk and help drivers acclimate quickly when changing driving environments.

Summary

German-market cars are left-hand drive because Germany drives on the right. German manufacturers also build right-hand-drive versions for left-traffic countries such as the UK, Japan, and Australia. RHD cars are legal but uncommon in Germany; they can be registered if they meet lighting, instrumentation, and inspection requirements.

Is Germany right hand drive or left hand drive?

In Germany, you drive on the right side of the road. The maximum speed on a freeway (the Autobahn) is typically 130 km/h, and it is rare that there are no limits at all. On main roads (Bundesstraßen) outside urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h. Within townships, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Which country has right-hand drive cars?

The majority of the world – around two-thirds of countries – drives on the right-hand side, including: USA and Canada (Canada switched from left to right in the 1920s to align with the US) Most of Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) China and Russia.

Does France drive on the same side as the USA?

Yes, France and the United States both drive on the right side of the road, making the transition for American drivers relatively straightforward, though they should be aware of differences in right-of-way rules and road conditions.
 
Similarities

• Driving Side: Both countries drive on the right-hand side of the road. 
• Vehicle Layout: The driver’s position in the car is on the left side, similar to the US. 

Key Differences for American Drivers

• Right-of-Way: Opens in new tabA major difference is the French “Priority to the Right” rule, which gives vehicles approaching from the right priority at intersections unless signs indicate otherwise. 
• Road Conditions: Opens in new tabFrance’s roads can have varied layouts, and parking in cities like Paris can be particularly challenging. 
• Vehicle Types: Opens in new tabYou may find different types of vehicles, such as fewer large SUVs and pickups on French roads compared to the US. 

Is driving in Germany the same as in the USA?

No, driving in Germany is not the same as in the US, with key differences including a mandatory priority-to-the-right rule at many intersections, a mandatory right-hand lane rule on the Autobahn, the presence of some unlimited-speed sections on the Autobahn, and distinct rules for roundabouts and traffic lights. German drivers also tend to be more strict about following traffic rules compared to their US counterparts. 
Key Differences

• Right-Hand Rule: In Germany, vehicles coming from the right have priority at crossroads, unless signs indicate otherwise, which differs significantly from the US reliance on stop signs. 
• Autobahn Driving: While the US has conservative, posted speed limits, some sections of the German Autobahn have no speed limits. Additionally, it is illegal to pass on the right on the Autobahn, and drivers must stay in the right-hand lane whenever possible. 
• Roundabouts: Vehicles entering a German roundabout have the right of way, not those already in it. 
• Traffic Lights: German traffic lights are often located above the lane, and they include a flashing yellow light as a warning before the green light appears. 
• Driver Behavior: German drivers can be more aggressive and high-pressure, and they are expected to strictly adhere to traffic laws, including rules at 4-way stops. 
• Traffic Signs: While both countries use standardized road signs, Germany also uses its own unique signs that Americans may not be familiar with.