Do people in China drive on the left?

No—on the mainland, China drives on the right-hand side of the road, with left-hand traffic only in the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan also drives on the right. This split reflects historical legacies and the “one country, two systems” framework that preserves Hong Kong and Macau’s distinct road rules.

Where each region drives

The following overview clarifies which parts of China and nearby jurisdictions use left- or right-hand traffic, along with typical vehicle configurations.

• Mainland China: Right-hand traffic (RHT); vehicles are typically left-hand-drive (LHD).
• Hong Kong: Left-hand traffic (LHT); vehicles are typically right-hand-drive (RHD).
• Macau: Left-hand traffic (LHT); vehicles are typically right-hand-drive (RHD).
• Taiwan: Right-hand traffic (RHT); vehicles are typically left-hand-drive (LHD).

In everyday terms, that means cars keep to the right in mainland China and Taiwan, while they keep to the left in Hong Kong and Macau, and steering wheels are positioned accordingly.

How this split came about

China’s modern right-hand traffic dates back to national regulations adopted in the 1940s by the Republic of China, with the system retained on the mainland after 1949. Hong Kong and Macau, governed for most of the 19th and 20th centuries by Britain and Portugal respectively, kept left-hand traffic as part of their road systems. After their returns to China—Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999—both regions maintained left-hand traffic under the “one country, two systems” arrangement.

Cross-border driving and vehicle rules

Because traffic sides differ, cross-border movement between the mainland and the SARs involves specific infrastructure and rules to keep drivers safe and traffic flowing smoothly.

• Steering and signage: Mainland roads favor LHD vehicles; Hong Kong and Macau favor RHD. Road signs, markings, and lane discipline reflect those norms.
• Border permits: Driving across borders generally requires special permits and pre-approval; ordinary rental cars typically cannot be taken across.
• Side-switching facilities: Dedicated flyovers and road segments safely switch traffic from left to right (or vice versa) at key crossings.
• Insurance and licensing: Separate insurance coverage and compliance with local licensing rules are usually mandatory when crossing jurisdictions.
• Commercial and special plates: Some vehicles carry dual registrations or special plates for cross-boundary operations, subject to quotas and regulations.

In practice, most visitors switch vehicles at the border or use public transport; professional drivers and logistics operators rely on established permits and dedicated infrastructure to manage the side change.

Notable border infrastructure

Several major crossings include engineered transitions to manage the left-right switch seamlessly.

• Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge: Uses designed crossovers to handle traffic between left-driving Hong Kong/Macau and right-driving Zhuhai (mainland).
• Shenzhen Bay Port and other Hong Kong–Shenzhen crossings: Feature grade-separated flyovers that flip traffic sides as vehicles clear border controls.
• Lotus Bridge (Macau–Hengqin) and Hengqin Port: Incorporate side-switching segments between left-driving Macau and right-driving Guangdong.

These facilities are engineered to minimize confusion, directing drivers through clearly marked, one-way transitions aligned with each region’s road rules.

Practical tips for visitors

If you plan to drive in or between these jurisdictions, it helps to prepare for differing traffic norms and requirements.

1. Confirm the side of the road: Mainland China and Taiwan keep right; Hong Kong and Macau keep left.
2. Match vehicle type: Drive LHD vehicles on the mainland/Taiwan and RHD in Hong Kong/Macau for optimal visibility and compliance.
3. Mind overtaking rules: On the mainland and Taiwan, pass on the left; in Hong Kong/Macau, pass on the right—always follow local signage.
4. Border logistics: Do not assume your car or rental can cross; check permits, insurance, and pickup/drop-off rules well in advance.
5. Use public transport when unsure: Cross-border buses, ferries, and rail connections are frequent and remove the complexity of side-switching.

A bit of planning goes a long way, especially if your itinerary involves both mainland cities and the SARs where the driving side changes.

Regional comparisons

China’s mix sits within a broader patchwork across East and South Asia, useful context if you are traveling regionally.

• Left-hand traffic nearby: Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan.
• Right-hand traffic nearby: Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, both Koreas.

Knowing these differences can help you anticipate driving norms when crossing borders elsewhere in the region.

Summary

Mainland China and Taiwan drive on the right; Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left. The distinction stems from historical governance and persists under “one country, two systems.” Specialized border infrastructure and regulations handle the side switch, and travelers should plan vehicle type, permits, and routes accordingly.

When did China switch to driving on the right?

1946
However, in 1946 the Republic of China made RHT mandatory in China (including Taiwan). Taiwan was LHT under Japanese colonization from 1895–1945. Portuguese Macau (present-day Macau) remained LHT, along with British Hong Kong, despite being transferred to China in 1999 and 1997 respectively.

Is China left or right-hand drive?

In mainland China, traffic drives on the right side of the road. This is a common practice, with most European countries and the United States also driving on the right. In contrast, China’s former British colonies and territories, such as Hong Kong and Macau, continue to drive on the left.
 
Details

• Mainland China: Drives on the right side of the road. 
• Hong Kong and Macau: These Special Administrative Regions drive on the left, a legacy from their history as British and Portuguese territories, respectively. 
• Car Design: In regions where traffic drives on the right, cars are typically designed with the steering wheel on the left. 

Does China drive on the same side as the US?

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.

Which country drives on the left?

These include India, Australia, New Zealand and former British colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. Very few countries drive on the left in Europe like we do in the UK. The Channel Islands, Ireland, The Isle of Man, Cyprus, and Malta are the only European countries that also drive on the left.