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, Cyprus, and Malta—along with the UK’s Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and its smaller islands)—which all drive on the left. Vehicles generally have the steering wheel on the opposite side of the road they drive on (left-hand traffic uses right-hand-drive vehicles, and vice versa).

The big picture: Right-hand traffic dominates

Across continental Europe, right-hand traffic is the norm. Countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, the Nordic states (including Sweden and Norway), and most others drive on the right. This standardization simplifies cross-border travel within the Schengen area and beyond, and aligns with the vast majority of countries worldwide.

The exceptions: Where Europe drives on the left

The following list highlights the European countries and territories that keep left, a pattern largely rooted in British influence and historical continuity.

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Republic of Ireland
• Cyprus
• Malta
• Isle of Man (Crown Dependency)
• Jersey (Crown Dependency)
• Guernsey, including Alderney and Sark (Crown Dependency)

These jurisdictions maintain left-hand traffic consistently. Notably, Gibraltar—despite being a British Overseas Territory on the Iberian Peninsula—drives on the right to match neighboring Spain.

Notable special cases and border realities

Gibraltar is the standout: it uses right-hand traffic due to its road connections with Spain. Travelers using the Channel Tunnel or ferries between the UK/Ireland and continental Europe will switch driving sides at controlled exits, where road layouts and signage guide the transition. Microstates embedded within right-hand countries—such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Vatican City—also drive on the right, consistent with their neighbors.

Practical advice for drivers crossing sides

If you plan to drive between left- and right-hand jurisdictions in Europe, the following points can help ensure a safe and smooth experience.

• Vehicle orientation: In right-hand-traffic countries, cars are typically left-hand drive (LHD); in left-hand-traffic countries, they are right-hand drive (RHD). Rent accordingly for better visibility.
• Roundabouts and priority: Directions and priority rules flip with the driving side. Follow lane arrows and yield signs carefully.
• Headlights and mirrors: Adjust beams for oncoming traffic when crossing sides, and re-check mirror positioning and blind spots.
• Speed signage and units: Most of Europe uses km/h. The UK uses mph; Ireland uses km/h.
• Tolls and vignettes: Know local toll systems (booths, electronic tags, or windshield vignettes) before you set out.
• Paperwork: An International Driving Permit may be required for some licenses; check country-specific rules and insurance coverage.
• Urban driving and pedestrians: Expect different crossing habits and lane layouts; reduce speed and stay alert when first switching sides.

With preparation and attention to signage, transitioning between left and right driving environments is manageable even for first-time visitors.

How Europe ended up split

Europe’s divide reflects history rather than recent policy. Right-hand traffic spread across the continent in the 18th and 19th centuries, reinforced by Napoleonic-era reforms and later standardization. The UK and much of its sphere retained left-hand traffic, a tradition that continued in Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Some countries switched to align with neighbors—most famously Sweden in 1967—cementing the modern map where the European mainland is overwhelmingly right-hand, while the British Isles and a few island nations remain left-hand.

Summary

Europe is predominantly right-hand drive. The chief left-hand exceptions are the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and the UK’s Crown Dependencies. Travelers should plan for the switch at borders and transport hubs, but clear signage, road design, and suitable vehicle choice make the transition straightforward.

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.

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. 

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.

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).