Which Side Does Europe Drive On?

Most of Europe drives on the right-hand side of the road, using left-hand-drive vehicles; the main exceptions that drive on the left (using right-hand-drive vehicles) are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and several Crown Dependencies in the British Isles. This distinction affects road rules, vehicle design, and traveler preparation across the continent.

What “left” and “right” mean for roads and cars

In traffic terminology, “driving on the right” means vehicles keep to the right-hand side of the roadway and generally have the steering wheel on the left (left-hand drive, LHD). Conversely, “driving on the left” places vehicles on the left-hand side and typically uses right-hand-drive (RHD) cars. Continental Europe overwhelmingly follows right-hand traffic (RHT), while a handful of jurisdictions linked historically to the UK follow left-hand traffic (LHT).

Where Europe drives on the left

The following list highlights the European jurisdictions that use left-hand traffic, where cars are commonly right-hand drive. These are the notable exceptions to the continental norm and are essential to know for cross-border trips.

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Republic of Ireland
• Cyprus
• Malta
• Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark)
• Isle of Man

Outside these areas, the rest of Europe—including all EU members on the mainland and microstates such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican, and Liechtenstein—drives on the right.

Special cases and notable nuances

Some places don’t fit neatly into broad rules or are worth calling out for travelers. The following points clarify edge cases and practical realities.

• Gibraltar drives on the right, aligning with neighboring Spain, even though the UK drives on the left.
• UK Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus (Akrotiri and Dhekelia) follow Cyprus’s left-hand traffic.
• Vehicle mix can vary in border regions: you may see both LHD and RHD cars, especially in Gibraltar and the British Isles.
• Historic switches: Sweden (1967) and Iceland (1968) changed from left to right; today both drive on the right.

These nuances generally do not alter the core rule—most of Europe is right-hand traffic—but they can influence local driving experience and rental-car availability.

Practical guidance for travelers

If you plan to drive across European borders, especially between left- and right-driving areas, consider the following tips to stay safe and compliant.

• Confirm local driving side before crossing a border; transition zones have clear signage but require extra attention.
• Choose a car configuration that matches the local side (LHD in right-driving countries; RHD in left-driving ones) for better visibility and overtaking safety.
• Adjust headlights for the local side to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, and check your insurance for cross-border coverage.
• Be mindful at roundabouts and junctions, where muscle memory from the opposite system can cause errors.

With a little preparation, cross-border driving in Europe is straightforward, as road signage and infrastructure are standardized and well maintained.

Why Europe differs

The split largely reflects history: British-influenced jurisdictions kept left-hand traffic, while Napoleonic and later European standardization spread right-hand traffic across the continent. Postwar safety and trade considerations cemented today’s map, with no current moves to change sides.

Summary

Europe predominantly drives on the right and uses left-hand-drive vehicles. Notable left-driving exceptions are the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and the British Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Gibraltar, despite UK ties, drives on the right. Travelers should verify local rules, choose suitable vehicle configurations, and stay alert at border transitions.

Does France drive on the same side as the USA?

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. 

Which countries are right-hand drive in Europe?

Remember most European countries drive on the right-hand side of the road (the exceptions are: the Irish Republic, Cyprus and Malta).

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.

Are European cars left or right hand drive?

RHT is used in 165 countries and territories, mainly in the Americas, Continental Europe, most of Africa and mainland Asia (except South Asia and Thailand), while 75 countries use LHT, which account for about a sixth of the world’s land area, a quarter of its roads, and about a third of its population.