Does Canada drive on the left?

Canada drives on the right-hand side of the road nationwide; left-side driving is not used today. Historically, parts of what is now Canada once followed left-side rules—most notably Newfoundland, which switched from left to right in 1947—but modern Canadian traffic keeps right, with vehicles primarily configured as left-hand drive and road speeds posted in kilometers per hour.

Current driving side and everyday rules

Drivers in Canada keep to the right and generally pass on the left, mirroring the system used in the United States. This alignment simplifies cross-border travel and logistics, and it shapes everything from steering-wheel placement to roundabout flow and signage.

• Traffic keeps right; most vehicles are left-hand drive (steering wheel on the left).
• Passing is typically on the left; slower traffic should keep right on multi-lane roads where posted or practical.
• Roundabouts circulate counterclockwise; entering drivers yield to traffic already in the circle.
• Speed limits and distances are metric (km/h and kilometers).
• Right turn on red is generally allowed after a complete stop unless prohibited by signage; on the Island of Montreal, right turns on red are not permitted.

Together, these norms make Canadian roads familiar to drivers from most right-side-driving countries and require modest adjustment for those accustomed to driving on the left.

Historical context

Canada’s adoption of right-side traffic stems from proximity to and trade with the United States, which entrenched right-side norms early. Provinces and territories harmonized over the early 20th century, with the final major change occurring before Newfoundland joined Canada.

1. Early 1900s: Most provinces standardized on right-hand traffic, aligning with U.S. practices across adjacent borders.
2. January 1947: The (then) Dominion of Newfoundland switched from left- to right-hand traffic; Newfoundland and Labrador later joined Canada in 1949.

These changes eliminated cross-border inconsistencies, improving road safety and simplifying vehicle standards nationwide.

Practical tips for visitors

If you’re arriving from a left-driving country, a few practical points will help you adapt quickly to Canadian roads and regulations.

• Vehicle configuration: Rental cars are left-hand drive; right-hand-drive imports exist but are uncommon. Federally, most vehicle imports must be at least 15 years old to be exempt from current standards; provincial rules for registration and insurance vary.
• Turns and signals: Right on red is widely permitted after stopping, except where signs prohibit it; on the Island of Montreal it is banned. Always yield to pedestrians when turning.
• Winter readiness: In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. In British Columbia, winter tires are required on many highways from October 1 to April 30. Check local requirements if driving in winter conditions.
• School buses and emergency vehicles: Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and yield or pull over for emergency vehicles with lights/sirens activated.
• Road signage: Watch for bilingual (English/French) signs, especially in Quebec and federal zones; speed and distance are metric.

Observing these guidelines will make the transition to right-side driving smoother and help you remain compliant with local laws across provinces and territories.

Summary

Canada does not drive on the left. It is a right-hand-traffic country with left-hand-drive vehicles, metric signage, and rules closely aligned with the United States. While Newfoundland historically drove on the left until 1947, the entire country now keeps right, with only local variations in specific rules such as right turns on red on Montreal’s island.

Do Canada and the US drive on the same side?

Yes, both Canada and the United States drive on the right side of the road, with the driver’s seat on the left side of the vehicle. This was a mutual decision for convenience due to their neighboring status and the heavy volume of cross-border traffic, especially in the 1920s when many Canadian provinces transitioned from left-hand to right-hand traffic to align with the U.S. system.
 
Key Points

• Right-Hand Traffic: Both countries drive on the right-hand side of the road. 
• Historical Shift in Canada: While some Canadian provinces once drove on the left (like British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces), they all switched to the right by the mid-1920s to match the U.S. 
• Consistency for Cross-Border Travel: This unified system of right-hand driving across North America simplifies travel and trade between the two countries. 

When did Canada go left-hand drive?

Parts of Canada were LHT until the 1920s, shown here in Saint John, New Brunswick, 1898. In Canada, the provinces of Quebec and Ontario were always RHT because they were created out of the former French colony of New France.

Is driving in the USA the same as Canada?

Key differences between Canadian and U.S. road rules
The road rules in the U.S. are similar to those in Canada, but there are some important differences to be aware of. In the U.S., speed limits are often posted in miles per hour (mph) instead of kilometres per hour (km/h), which can be confusing at first.

What countries drive 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.