Which side of the road does Europe drive on?

Most of Europe drives on the right-hand side of the road; the main exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus, which drive on the left. Crown Dependencies such as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands also drive on the left, while Gibraltar drives on the right in line with neighboring Spain. This mix reflects history, geography, and colonial-era standards that still shape everyday travel across the continent.

The general rule across Europe

On the European mainland—and across nearly all European Union and Schengen countries—traffic keeps to the right. This convention simplifies cross-border travel across much of the continent, from Portugal to Poland and from Scandinavia to the Balkans. Vehicles in right-driving countries typically have the steering wheel on the left, and roundabouts circulate counterclockwise.

The left-driving exceptions

Only a handful of European jurisdictions keep left, a legacy of British-influenced rules and longstanding local practice. The following list outlines where left-hand traffic applies within Europe.

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Ireland
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Isle of Man (Crown Dependency)
• Channel Islands: Jersey and Guernsey (Crown Dependencies)

Outside these areas, driving on the right is the norm. Notably, Gibraltar—despite being a British Overseas Territory—drives on the right due to its land border with Spain.

Notable clarifications

Gibraltar switched to right-hand traffic decades ago to align with Spain next door. Microstates such as Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City all drive on the right. Within Cyprus, the British Sovereign Base Areas follow the island’s left-hand traffic rules.

Crossing borders: what drivers should know

Travelers moving between right- and left-driving jurisdictions should prepare for a few practical differences that affect vehicle setup and on-road behavior.

• Vehicle orientation: In left-driving countries, most cars are right-hand drive; in right-driving countries, most are left-hand drive.
• Roundabouts: Traffic flows clockwise in left-driving countries and counterclockwise in right-driving countries; yield rules follow lane direction.
• Speed units: The UK (and several Crown Dependencies) post limits in miles per hour; Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus use kilometers per hour, as do right-driving countries on the continent.
• Headlights and visibility: Check headlamp beam patterns and use adjusters if your vehicle was designed for the opposite side of the road.
• Signage and lane discipline: Expect differences in road signs and passing lanes; keep left to overtake in left-driving countries and keep right to overtake in right-driving countries unless otherwise posted.
• Insurance and equipment: Verify cross-border coverage and any mandatory equipment (e.g., warning triangles, vests) required by the destination country.

With a few advance checks and heightened awareness—especially at junctions and roundabouts—crossing between sides is straightforward for most drivers.

How Europe got here: a brief history

Continental Europe largely standardized on right-hand traffic in the 20th century. Sweden famously switched from left to right in 1967 (the “Dagen H” changeover), followed by Iceland in 1968, to harmonize with neighbors and reduce cross-border confusion. The British Isles and certain former British territories retained left-hand driving, preserving a distinct, though manageable, split across Europe.

Summary

Europe predominantly drives on the right. The key left-driving exceptions are the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, and the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey). Gibraltar and the rest of mainland Europe drive on the right. Travelers should watch for changes in road flow, signage, roundabout direction, and speed units when crossing between these systems.

Do any countries in Europe drive on the left?

The Channel Islands, Ireland, The Isle of Man, Cyprus, and Malta are the only European countries that also drive on the left. If you’re hiring a car on a European holiday anywhere except for these places, you’ll need to be confident driving on the opposite side of the road.

Is the UK left or right hand drive?

The United Kingdom is a left-hand drive country, meaning traffic drives on the left side of the road and most cars have the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. This practice is a remnant of long-standing historical traditions, possibly dating back to the Romans, and is a characteristic shared with about 30% of the world’s countries.
 
Historical Roots

• Pre-Roman and Roman Eras: The practice of driving on the left may have been established by the Romans, with evidence suggesting they also used left-hand traffic. 
• Medieval Times: Knights, being predominantly right-handed, would naturally hold their lances in their right hand for combat, keeping their left side to the horse and the opponent, a tradition that continued on horseback. 
• Wagon Drivers: When large wagons for transporting goods became popular in the late 1700s, the driver would often sit on a horse in the middle of the team, using their whip hand to control the horses from the left, which kept their right hand free. 

Left-Hand Traffic (LHT) and RHT

• Left-Hand Traffic (LHT): Countries that drive on the left use the LHT system. 
• Right-Hand Traffic (RHT): Countries that drive on the right use the RHT system. 
• Global Majority: Most of the world’s countries, including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, have switched to RHT, with the United Kingdom and other countries like Australia, India, and Japan still following LHT. 

Is the USA a left-hand drive country?

Americans drive on the right for a couple of reasons. First, old freight wagons were pulled by teams of horses. Right-handed drivers rode on the left rear horse to use their right hand for maximum control over the whole team of horses. With this setup, driving on the right made more sense.

Does France drive on the same side as the US?

Yes, France and the United States both drive on the right side of the road, making the transition for American drivers relatively straightforward, though they should be aware of differences in right-of-way rules and road conditions.
 
Similarities

• Driving Side: Both countries drive on the right-hand side of the road. 
• Vehicle Layout: The driver’s position in the car is on the left side, similar to the US. 

Key Differences for American Drivers

• Right-of-Way: . Opens in new tabA major difference is the French “Priority to the Right” rule, which gives vehicles approaching from the right priority at intersections unless signs indicate otherwise. 
• Road Conditions: . Opens in new tabFrance’s roads can have varied layouts, and parking in cities like Paris can be particularly challenging. 
• Vehicle Types: . Opens in new tabYou may find different types of vehicles, such as fewer large SUVs and pickups on French roads compared to the US.