Which side of the road does Russia drive on?

Russia drives on the right-hand side of the road, with most vehicles featuring left-hand steering. This aligns Russia with the majority of continental Europe and means visitors should expect right-lane traffic nationwide, with no regional exceptions.

The basics of driving orientation in Russia

Throughout the Russian Federation, traffic keeps to the right. Most cars are left-hand-drive, though right-hand-drive vehicles—often imported used from Japan—are common in the Far East and remain legal if they meet safety and certification standards. Russia’s rules broadly follow the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, supporting standardized right-lane driving and familiar priority rules for international drivers.

Vehicle configuration and imports

While the steering wheel placement varies in some imported vehicles, the side of the road never changes: all traffic flows on the right. Authorities have tightened some import and certification rules for certain categories of right-hand-drive vehicles over the years, especially for commercial and public transport, but standard passenger cars with right-hand drive continue to circulate in many regions, particularly near Pacific ports.

Border considerations

Travelers crossing by land into or out of Russia will not encounter a switch in driving side at the border. All of Russia’s land neighbors also drive on the right. Japan—where traffic keeps left—shares only maritime borders with Russia, so there is no left-right transition on any road crossing.

The following list highlights Russia’s main land neighbors and their driving orientation to help travelers plan cross-border trips with confidence.

• Finland — Right
• Norway — Right
• Estonia — Right
• Latvia — Right
• Lithuania (via Kaliningrad) — Right
• Poland (via Kaliningrad) — Right
• Belarus — Right
• Ukraine — Right
• Georgia — Right
• Azerbaijan — Right
• Kazakhstan — Right
• Mongolia — Right
• China — Right
• North Korea — Right

Because every land neighbor also drives on the right, transitions at border checkpoints are straightforward, reducing complexity for international drivers entering Russia by road.

Practical tips for visitors

If you’re planning to drive in Russia, the following points cover key rules and conditions that commonly affect visitors.

• Road signs and markings: Standard international symbols are widely used; text is primarily in Cyrillic.
• Speed limits: Typically 60 km/h in cities (often 50 on some streets), 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 110–130 km/h on major highways where posted.
• Headlights: Low beams are commonly expected during daytime outside urban areas; check local signage and regulations.
• Alcohol limits: Enforcement is strict, with a very low permissible threshold—plan on zero alcohol if driving.
• Winter readiness: Winter tires are required during the cold season in many regions; dates and enforcement vary, but December–February is a common baseline. Studded tires are permitted where conditions warrant.
• Dashcams: Widely used by local drivers; not mandatory but helpful for documentation.
• Priority and lanes: At uncontrolled intersections, priority to the right generally applies; keep right except to overtake.
• Tolls and payments: Some expressways are tolled; cashless payments are increasingly common, but carry a backup payment method.

These guidelines reflect common nationwide practices; always verify regional rules and posted signs, especially in winter or on tolled motorways.

Summary

Russia drives on the right-hand side, consistent across all regions and land borders. Most vehicles are left-hand-drive, though right-hand-drive cars are present—especially in the Far East—without altering road orientation. Visitors should prepare for right-lane traffic, standard European-style rules, and seasonal winter requirements.

Do they drive on the right side in Ukraine?

What side of the road do they drive on in Ukraine? Like the vast majority of European countries, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Ukraine.

Is Russia left or right-hand drive?

right-hand
Like in most of mainland Europe, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Russia.

Which country drives on the right side?

The majority of the world – around two-thirds of countries – drives on the right-hand side, including: USA and Canada (Canada switched from left to right in the 1920s to align with the US) Most of Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) China and Russia.

Do they drive on the left or right in Japan?

Japan drives on the left side of the road, a practice that dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) when samurai would keep their swords on their left. This tradition was influenced by the British and was solidified in the 1850s, with the first railway lines and later buses also following this left-hand rule.
 
Here’s a bit more detail:

• Historical roots: The practice of left-hand traffic in Japan is centuries old, with evidence of it existing during the Edo period when samurai needed to keep their swords on their left side to avoid collision. 
• British influence: In 1858, British Consul-General Sir Rutherford Alcock persuaded the Japanese to adopt left-hand traffic, which influenced the railway system when the first lines were built. 
• Post-WWII: There have been brief debates and even changes to pedestrian rules after the war, such as a 1949 law to have pedestrians walk on the right in some areas, but the overall system of left-hand driving remained. 
• Modern practice: The country continues to follow this tradition today, with the steering wheel of cars located on the right side.