Does the USA have left-hand traffic?

No—the United States uses right-hand traffic, meaning drivers keep to the right side of the road and most vehicles have left-hand-drive. The main exception within U.S. jurisdiction is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where people drive on the left. Below is a detailed look at the national rule, the notable exception, and what travelers should know.

National rule: Right-hand traffic

Across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, traffic keeps to the right. This standard shapes road design, signage, lane markings, and vehicle configuration—steering wheels are typically on the left, and highway merges and exits are planned accordingly. State laws govern traffic operations, but they are uniform on the right-hand rule.

Exception: U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) follow left-hand traffic, a practice rooted in regional history. Most vehicles there are still left-hand-drive, imported from the mainland, so drivers sit closer to the road’s centerline. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour and road signs generally follow U.S. conventions, but turns, roundabouts (which circulate clockwise), and lane positioning require left-side habits. Visitors should take extra care, particularly at intersections and when turning across traffic.

Other U.S. jurisdictions at a glance

While the national standard is right-hand traffic, U.S. territories vary in geography and history. Here’s how they break down.

Right-hand-traffic jurisdictions

The following list identifies U.S. jurisdictions that drive on the right, consistent with the 50 states.

• All 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• American Samoa
• Other U.S. possessions and installations with public roads (e.g., Wake Island, Midway Atoll) generally follow right-hand practice where applicable

In these places, road rules, signage, and vehicle orientation align with the familiar U.S. right-side driving standard.

Left-hand-traffic jurisdictions

Only one regularly inhabited U.S. jurisdiction drives on the left.

• U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix

Travelers should prepare for left-side driving here, even though most vehicles are left-hand-drive.

Practical tips for travelers

Whether you’re moving between the mainland and a territory or visiting from abroad, these points help reduce confusion and improve safety.

• Confirm the local rule before you drive—right-side for the mainland and most territories; left-side in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Expect left-hand-drive vehicles almost everywhere, including the U.S. Virgin Islands; adjust your lane position and sight lines accordingly.
• In the U.S. Virgin Islands, take extra care with right turns (tight) and left turns (across traffic), and approach roundabouts clockwise.
• On the mainland, be alert for left-side highway exits or HOV entrances; “left-hand exit” refers to ramp placement, not driving side.
• Review local signage, speed limits (mph), and rules on seat belts and mobile phone use before setting off.

Planning ahead for the local driving convention and road norms can make the transition smoother and safer.

Summary

The United States drives on the right, with the singular notable exception of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which drive on the left. For most travelers, that means standard right-side driving across the mainland and most territories, but a left-side adjustment when visiting St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix.

Is the USA left-hand or right hand?

About two thirds of the countries in the world drive on the right including the USA, China and Russia. Canada used to drive on the left but changed to the right to make border crossings with the United States of America more manageable.

How many countries have left-hand drive cars?

It’s important to know for travelers which side of the road each country drives on. There are 163 countries and territories that drive on the right and 76 that drive on the left.

Which country doesn’t have left-hand traffic?

Canada, Myanmar, Gibraltar, British Indian Ocean Territory, Belize, and a few countries in West Africa like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia all switched to driving on the right hand side of the road.

Does America use left-hand traffic?

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.