Do any U.S. territories drive on the left?

Yes. The U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left; all other populated U.S. territories drive on the right. This distinction is a historical holdover in the Caribbean, while territories in the Pacific and Puerto Rico follow the same right-hand driving pattern as the 50 states.

Where each U.S. territory drives

The following list identifies the driving side used in each populated U.S. territory, along with a note about the largely uninhabited Minor Outlying Islands that have no public road networks.

• U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix): Left-hand traffic
• Puerto Rico: Right-hand traffic
• Guam: Right-hand traffic
• Northern Mariana Islands: Right-hand traffic
• American Samoa: Right-hand traffic
• U.S. Minor Outlying Islands (e.g., Wake Island, Midway Atoll): No public road systems; where vehicles operate, practices generally follow U.S. right-side norms

In short, among U.S. territories with regular public roads, only the U.S. Virgin Islands uses left-hand traffic; the rest mirror the mainland’s right-hand standard.

Why the U.S. Virgin Islands keep left

Left-side driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands predates the United States’ 1917 purchase of the islands from Denmark. Despite Denmark’s right-side driving, local custom—shaped by regional Caribbean practices and the islands’ pre-automobile traffic patterns—favored the left. After transfer to U.S. sovereignty, the Virgin Islands retained left-side driving, and it remains mandated by local law today.

What visitors should know in the U.S. Virgin Islands

If you’re planning to drive in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the mix of left-side traffic and predominantly left-hand-drive vehicles (imported from the mainland) can feel counterintuitive. The tips below can help you adapt safely.

1. Keep left at all times, especially when turning onto two-way roads—look right for oncoming traffic.
2. Approach roundabouts clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
3. Expect many vehicles to have the steering wheel on the left; adjust your lane position to stay centered.
4. Mind speed limits and steep, winding roads; island terrain can reduce visibility.
5. Use seat belts and avoid distractions; pedestrians and scooters are common in tourist areas.

With a bit of preparation and extra caution, most drivers acclimate quickly to the left-side setup in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How this compares with other U.S. jurisdictions

All 50 states and the District of Columbia drive on the right, as do Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Note that Samoa (an independent nation, not a U.S. territory) switched from right- to left-side driving in 2009, which sometimes causes confusion with neighboring American Samoa—American Samoa continues to drive on the right.

Summary

Only the U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left among U.S. territories with public roads. Puerto Rico and the Pacific territories (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa) drive on the right, aligning with the mainland United States.

Why does St. Thomas drive on the left side?

St. Thomas, as part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, drives on the left side of the road due to its historical colonial past, specifically the influence of the British and Danish rule before becoming a U.S. territory in 1917. This practice is a lasting legacy of the islands’ history and the road infrastructure that was established during that time.
 
Historical Context

• British Influence: The British occupied the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands) during the Napoleonic Wars. It is likely that the British imposed the tradition of driving on the left, a rule that persisted even after their departure. 
• Danish Rule: The Danish were also colonial rulers, and the tradition of driving on the left was influenced by the British model. 
• U.S. Acquisition: When the United States acquired the islands in 1917, the practice of driving on the left was already well-established. The existing road infrastructure and habits were not changed, leading to the continuation of the left-side driving rule in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Can U.S. citizens drive in St. Thomas?

It is always best when exploring new cultures to be respectful and mindful. Can I drive in the U.S. Virgin Islands? We drive on the left side of the road. If you plan on renting a car in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a valid U.S. or foreign license is accepted for 90 days.

What U.S. territories drive on the left?

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI)
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is the only place under United States jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on the left. However, virtually all passenger vehicles are left hand drive due to imports of U.S. vehicles.

Does Guam drive on the left?

Guam drives on the right-hand side of the road, like the rest of the United States and most other countries. As an American territory, Guam follows the standard rules of the road found in the USA, meaning you drive on the right and typically have the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle.