Do drivers in Germany keep to the left?

No—Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left, passing is generally done on the left, and you should keep right except when overtaking, especially on the Autobahn where lane discipline is strictly enforced.

How road positioning works in Germany

Germany follows right-hand traffic across all public roads. On multi-lane roads and the Autobahn, drivers must keep to the right and use the left lanes primarily for overtaking. Passing on the right is prohibited except in slow, congested traffic where specific allowances apply. Lane discipline and yielding rules are actively enforced, and failure to keep right or improper overtaking can draw fines.

Historical and regional context

Like most of continental Europe, Germany standardized on right-hand traffic in the 20th century, building on earlier right-side rules adopted in many German states during the 19th century. Both former East and West Germany used right-hand traffic after World War II, and no German territories drive on the left today.

Practical tips for visitors used to left-hand driving

If you’re accustomed to left-side driving (e.g., from the UK, Ireland, Malta, or Cyprus), a few essentials will help you adapt quickly and safely to Germany’s right-side system.

• Keep right on multi-lane roads and overtake on the left; return to the right lane after passing.
• At roundabouts, travel counterclockwise and yield to traffic already in the circle and to pedestrians/cyclists at crossings.
• Right turn on red is allowed only where a green right-turn arrow (either a small sign next to the signal or a dedicated green arrow light) explicitly permits it; you must come to a full stop and yield before turning.
• Right of way: at unmarked intersections, yield to traffic coming from the right; a yellow diamond sign indicates a priority road that overrides this default.
• Speed norms: 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h on rural roads unless signed otherwise. On the Autobahn, many stretches have posted limits; where none are posted, the advisory speed is 130 km/h.
• Seasonal equipment: winter tires are mandatory in wintry conditions (snow, ice, slush). Carry an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter low-emission zones in many cities.
• Alcohol limits: 0.5‰ BAC for experienced drivers; 0.0‰ for novice drivers (under 21 or within the first two years of licensure).
• Use headlights in tunnels and when visibility is poor; daytime running lights are common and recommended.

Together, these rules help ensure smooth traffic flow and safety; taking a few minutes to review them before driving can make your first right-side trip in Germany much easier.

Neighboring countries: who drives on the left in Europe?

Understanding regional norms helps with cross-border trips. Here’s how left- and right-side driving aligns around Germany.

• Left-side driving in Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.
• Germany’s neighbors—Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands—drive on the right.

Most continental border crossings don’t require any change in driving side, but always watch signage and lane markings when entering or exiting ferry ports and tunnels connecting to left-driving countries.

Summary

Germany does not drive on the left; it drives on the right, with strict keep-right and overtake-left norms, particularly on the Autobahn. Visitors from left-driving countries should pay special attention to lane discipline, right-on-red rules (only where signed), default right-of-way at unmarked intersections, and standard speed limits. Neighboring countries around Germany also drive on the right, while the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus are Europe’s principal left-driving exceptions.

Is the USA left-hand drive?

Yes, most vehicles in the United States are left-hand drive because the U.S. drives on the right side of the road, a practice that became standard in Colonial America. The driver’s position on the left provides better visibility of oncoming traffic and makes it easier to safely pull out from parallel parking. An exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where drivers travel on the left, but cars still have their steering wheels on the left, which is a unique situation.
 
Why the U.S. uses left-hand drive cars:

• Right-hand travel: The U.S. adopted right-hand driving early on, with New York instituting the rule for public highways in 1804. 
• Visibility: Having the steering wheel on the left allows drivers to better see oncoming traffic that is coming from the left. 
• Historical factors: The tradition of right-hand driving may stem from large, bulky Conestoga wagons and a resistance to British customs, which favored left-hand traffic. 

Where it’s different:

• U.S. Virgin Islands: Opens in new tabThis U.S. territory drives on the left side of the road, though their vehicles still have the steering wheel on the left. 
• Specialized Vehicles: Opens in new tabA small number of specialized U.S. vehicles, such as mail delivery vehicles, may be built with right-hand drive to improve functionality for the driver. 

Where to see right-hand drive cars: 

• In countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, India, and Australia, which drive on the left side of the road.

Is Germany right hand drive or left hand drive?

In Germany, you drive on the right side of the road. The maximum speed on a freeway (the Autobahn) is typically 130 km/h, and it is rare that there are no limits at all. On main roads (Bundesstraßen) outside urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h. Within townships, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

What side is the steering wheel in Germany?

In Germany, the steering wheel is on the left side of the car, as drivers are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road. This left-hand drive system is standard for right-hand traffic countries, placing the driver closest to the center of the road for better visibility and interaction with oncoming traffic.
 
Key Points

• Right-hand traffic: Opens in new tabGermany follows a right-hand traffic system, meaning drivers stay to the right of the road. 
• Left-hand drive: Opens in new tabCars in Germany are built with the steering wheel on the left, which is the standard for countries that drive on the right. 
• Driver’s position: Opens in new tabThe left-hand position of the steering wheel allows the driver to be closest to the middle of the road, providing a better view of oncoming traffic and improving safety. 
• Consistency with Europe: Opens in new tabThis driving convention is consistent with most European countries and the majority of countries worldwide that drive on the right. 

What European countries 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.