Which side of the road does China drive on?

China drives on the right on the mainland and in Taiwan, while Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left. Travelers should be aware of these regional differences, especially when crossing borders or renting vehicles, as traffic flows and vehicle configurations change accordingly.

At a glance

China’s road rules reflect its diverse legal jurisdictions. Most of the country follows right-hand traffic, but two Special Administrative Regions retain left-hand traffic due to historical ties. Here’s a quick reference to help you navigate the distinctions.

• Mainland China (including Hainan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and all provinces): Right-hand traffic; vehicles are typically left-hand drive.
• Taiwan: Right-hand traffic; vehicles are typically left-hand drive.
• Hong Kong SAR: Left-hand traffic; vehicles are typically right-hand drive.
• Macau SAR: Left-hand traffic; vehicles are typically right-hand drive.

This breakdown reflects the legal frameworks and historical influences that shape driving practices across these regions.

Why the difference?

Mainland China and Taiwan standardized right-hand traffic in the mid-20th century as part of national modernization and alignment with many neighboring countries. Hong Kong (a former British territory) and Macau (a former Portuguese territory) retained left-hand traffic; both kept their systems after handover to China as Special Administrative Regions, where local road rules remain in force.

Cross-border driving and infrastructure

Where left-hand and right-hand systems meet, purpose-built interchanges and boundary facilities switch traffic safely from one side to the other. Notable examples include crossings between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (with dedicated side-switching at boundary control points), and the Lotus Bridge linking Macau to Hengqin in Zhuhai.

If you plan to drive across borders, be aware that special permits, insurance, and vehicle requirements apply. Schemes such as Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and similar Macau arrangements allow approved private cars limited access to Guangdong via designated crossings. Casual cross-border driving is otherwise restricted, and many visitors opt for public transport or chauffeurs for cross-boundary travel.

Practical takeaways for travelers

Understanding which side of the road a region uses is essential for safety and for planning rentals or cross-border trips. The following points can help you prepare.

• Driving side: Keep right in mainland China and Taiwan; keep left in Hong Kong and Macau.
• Vehicle setup: Expect left-hand-drive cars on the mainland and in Taiwan; right-hand-drive cars in Hong Kong and Macau.
• Pedestrian safety: Look first toward the direction of oncoming traffic appropriate to the region (left in right-driving areas; right in left-driving areas), especially at curbside and when turning vehicles may appear.
• Rentals and licenses: Rules vary—mainland China generally requires a Chinese licence (temporary permits may be available for short stays in some cities), while Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have visitor-friendly provisions; always confirm the current requirements before travel.
• Road signage and units: Speed limits and distances are in kilometers; major cities often have bilingual signage (Chinese–English in Hong Kong and Macau; Chinese–English in many mainland airports/expressways; Chinese–English in Taiwan’s main corridors).

With these basics in mind, you can better anticipate traffic patterns, signage, and driver seating—key details that reduce confusion and improve safety.

Road rules snapshot

All regions enforce seat-belt use and prohibit distracted driving; speed limits are posted and vary by road type. Expressways are widespread on the mainland and in Taiwan, and urban areas everywhere can be congested at peak times. If you’re new to local conditions, consider public transport or ridesharing, which are extensive and reliable in major cities.

Vehicles and steering wheels

Vehicle configuration aligns with the side of the road: left-hand-drive cars in right-driving regions (mainland China, Taiwan) and right-hand-drive cars in left-driving regions (Hong Kong, Macau). Importing or taking a vehicle across regions is tightly regulated and typically requires conformity with local standards.

Summary

Mainland China and Taiwan drive on the right; Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left. If your itinerary crosses these jurisdictions, expect changes in driving side, vehicle configuration, and permit requirements—and plan accordingly for a safe, smooth trip.