Which side of the road does China drive on?
Mainland China and Taiwan drive on the right; Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left. The split reflects historical and legal differences between jurisdictions, and dedicated road engineering handles the left–right switch at borders and cross-sea links.
Contents
How the rules break down by region
China’s road rules differ by jurisdiction because the People’s Republic of China (the mainland), the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions, and Taiwan maintain separate traffic codes and vehicle standards.
- Mainland China: Right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive vehicles. The national Road Traffic Safety Law mandates keeping right on public roads across all provinces and municipalities.
- Hong Kong: Left-hand traffic with right-hand-drive vehicles, a legacy of British administration. Hong Kong maintains its own Highway Code and vehicle regulations.
- Macau: Left-hand traffic with right-hand-drive vehicles, a system retained from colonial-era practice and regional integration with Hong Kong.
- Taiwan: Right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive vehicles under its own Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.
Taken together, most of the geographic area drives on the right, while the two southern special administrative regions—Hong Kong and Macau—drive on the left.
Cross-border driving and side-switching
Where left- and right-driving areas meet, purpose-built infrastructure and traffic controls provide safe transitions. These include flyovers, lane crossovers, and clearly signed changeover zones at ports of entry.
- Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB): Hong Kong and Macau approach roads use left-hand traffic; the main bridge and mainland port areas operate right-hand traffic. Side-switch facilities at each port manage the transition. Since 2023, schemes such as “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” and similar arrangements for Macau have allowed eligible private cars to enter Guangdong via the HZMB with pre-registration and insurance.
- Shenzhen border crossings: At links such as Shenzhen Bay Port and Lok Ma Chau–Huanggang, grade-separated crossovers and signage manage the shift between Hong Kong’s left-hand traffic and the mainland’s right-hand traffic.
- Macau–Zhuhai links: Crossings including the Lotus Bridge/Hengqin Port area incorporate side-switching designs as vehicles move between Macau’s left-hand traffic and Zhuhai’s right-hand traffic.
- China–Pakistan border (Karakoram Highway): A side-of-road change occurs near the Khunjerab Pass because Pakistan drives on the left while China drives on the right.
These engineered transitions, together with customs and immigration controls, ensure drivers switch sides safely and in compliance with local law immediately upon entry.
Vehicle configuration and licensing
Mainland China and Taiwan standardize on left-hand-drive vehicles and generally do not register new right-hand-drive cars, with narrow exceptions. Hong Kong and Macau, by contrast, standardize on right-hand-drive vehicles and generally do not register left-hand-drive cars. Cross-boundary driving requires permits, compliant insurance, and adherence to the destination’s traffic rules.
Practical tips for visitors
If you are planning to drive across these jurisdictions, a few basics will help you stay legal and safe.
- Remember the side: Mainland China and Taiwan keep right; Hong Kong and Macau keep left.
- Check licensing: Mainland China does not accept an International Driving Permit on its own; foreign drivers typically need a Chinese licence or a temporary driving permit. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have their own recognition rules for foreign licences and IDPs—verify eligibility before travel.
- Prepare paperwork and insurance: Cross-border car travel usually requires advance approval, specific insurance, and compliance with vehicle standards.
Road signage is bilingual or trilingual in many border areas, but enforcement is strict; follow posted directions, speed limits, and lane-use instructions closely.
Why the split exists
Hong Kong retained left-hand traffic from its British era, and Macau kept left-hand traffic despite Portugal driving on the right, reflecting regional alignment and long-standing practice. The mainland and Taiwan adopted right-hand traffic in line with continental norms and existing legal frameworks. Each jurisdiction preserves its system under its own traffic laws.
Summary
Mainland China and Taiwan drive on the right, while Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left. Border crossings and major links such as the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge use dedicated side-switch infrastructure. Travelers should confirm licensing and permit requirements and be prepared to change driving habits when moving between these jurisdictions.
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.
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.
Does Japan still drive on the left?
Yes, Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road. This tradition is rooted in historical practices dating back to the Edo period, where samurai would keep to the left to avoid clashing swords. The system became formalized in 1924, with the development of British-influenced railways laying the foundation for the country’s left-hand traffic model.
Historical Roots
- Samurai Tradition: Opens in new tabIn feudal times, carrying swords at the hip was common for samurai, who would keep to the left to avoid their swords clashing as they passed others.
- British Influence on Railways: Opens in new tabWhen Japan built its first railway in 1872 with British assistance, it followed the British model of left-hand traffic. This system was then extended to the tram systems and other roads, eventually becoming standardized.
Formalization and Consistency
- Official Mandate: Left-hand traffic was officially mandated in Japan in 1924, solidifying the practice in law.
- Right-Hand Steering Wheels: Despite driving on the left, Japanese vehicles have steering wheels on the right, a common characteristic of countries with left-hand traffic.
Okinawa Exception
- Post-War Right-Hand Traffic: Opens in new tabFor a period after World War II, the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands (which governed Okinawa) switched traffic to the right-hand side.
- Return to Left-Hand Traffic: Opens in new tabWhen Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, traffic in the region switched back to the left-hand traffic system, making Okinawa one of the few places in the world to transition from right to left in the 20th century.
Does China drive left or right?
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.