Is it illegal to drive on the left side of the road?

It depends on where you are. In countries that use right-hand traffic (like the United States, most of Europe, and China), it is illegal to drive on the left side of a two-way road except for narrowly defined exceptions (such as permitted overtaking). In left-hand-traffic countries (like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan), the rule is the reverse: you must drive on the left, and driving on the right is generally illegal. Below is a clear breakdown of how the rules work and when limited exceptions apply.

How road-side rules work worldwide

Countries mandate one side of the roadway for normal travel. About two-thirds of the world’s population drives on the right (right-hand traffic, RHT), while roughly one-third drives on the left (left-hand traffic, LHT). The “wrong side” is illegal in ordinary circumstances because it creates head-on conflict with oncoming traffic. Temporary use of the opposite side is allowed only when expressly permitted by law and road markings.

Right-hand-traffic countries (keep right)

The following examples illustrate jurisdictions where you must normally keep to the right side of two-way roads; using the left side is generally illegal except for defined exceptions like permitted overtaking, avoiding an obstruction, or following one-way systems.

• United States and Canada
• Most of continental Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden)
• China and Russia
• Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and most of Latin America
• Middle East examples such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

In these places, “driving on the left side” usually means entering the oncoming lane of a two-way road; doing so is prohibited unless a specific exception applies.

Left-hand-traffic countries (keep left)

These jurisdictions require you to keep left on two-way roads; using the right side is generally illegal except as permitted for overtaking or special traffic arrangements.

• United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta
• Australia and New Zealand
• Japan
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong
• South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and much of Southern/Eastern Africa
• Several Caribbean nations and territories (e.g., Jamaica, Barbados)

In these places, “driving on the right side” of a two-way road is the wrong side and is unlawful except where road design or signage temporarily requires or allows it.

When can you legally be on the “other” side?

Most traffic codes allow limited, controlled situations where a vehicle may momentarily occupy the opposite side of a two-way road or use lanes that reverse direction. The key is that markings, signs, and local law must permit it, and it must be done safely.

• Overtaking on two-lane roads, when center lines and visibility allow and no oncoming traffic is present.
• Avoiding an obstruction (e.g., debris, a stalled vehicle, roadworks) when it is safe and lawful to pass around it.
• Turning across the center of the road (e.g., making a left turn in RHT countries or a right turn in LHT countries).
• Following one-way streets, divided highways, contraflow systems, or reversible lanes specifically designed for that direction.
• Complying with police directions, temporary traffic management, or emergency diversions.
• Using the leftmost or rightmost lane within your carriageway is not “the wrong side” if you are still traveling in lanes designated for your direction; confusion often arises between “left side of the road” (the oncoming side) and the “left lane” within your direction of travel.

Outside these scenarios, entering the oncoming side of a two-way road is illegal and dangerous. Always follow lane markings: solid center lines typically prohibit crossing; broken lines may allow overtaking subject to conditions.

Country-specific examples in law

While terminology varies, many jurisdictions make the keep-right or keep-left rule explicit and then list exceptions. Here are a few representative examples (not exhaustive):

• United States: Typical statutes require driving on the right except for passing, obstructions, one-way roads, or turning. Examples include California Vehicle Code §21650; Texas Transportation Code §545.051; New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §1120.
• United Kingdom: The Highway Code (e.g., Rules 160 and 264) instructs drivers to keep left and use the right lane(s) mainly for overtaking; driving on the right side of a two-way road is unlawful except as directed (e.g., for overtaking within your carriageway where safe and legal).
• Australia: State and territory road rules align with the Australian Road Rules; for example, Rule 132 requires keeping left of the center on two-way roads (with listed exceptions), and Rule 129/130 regulate lane use and keeping left on multi-lane roads.
• Japan: The Road Traffic Act requires vehicles to keep to the left side of the roadway, with defined exceptions for overtaking and road conditions.

These provisions share a common structure: a default side (right or left), clear exceptions, and enforcement through lane markings and signs. Always consult the local code where you are driving.

Consequences of driving on the wrong side

Authorities treat wrong-side driving as a serious safety violation because it creates head-on collision risk. Penalties escalate with circumstances and outcomes.

• Traffic citations and fines; demerit points or endorsements on your license.
• Charges such as careless or reckless driving, especially if coupled with speed or impairment.
• License suspension, higher insurance premiums, or policy denial after a violation or crash.
• Civil liability for damages and, in severe cases, criminal charges if injuries or fatalities result.

Even brief wrong-side driving can lead to immediate police stops and significant penalties, particularly in school zones, near curves, hills, or where solid center lines prohibit crossing.

Practical tips for travelers

If you are driving in a country with the opposite side rule than you’re used to, a few precautions can reduce risk.

• Check the local traffic code basics before driving (which side, overtaking rules, roundabouts, school zones).
• Obey road markings: don’t cross solid center lines; only overtake where broken lines and sight distance allow.
• Practice on quieter roads; consider an automatic transmission if switching sides feels daunting.
• Be mindful at intersections and roundabouts: traffic flows clockwise in LHT countries and counterclockwise in RHT countries.
• Watch for changeover zones at borders or on special bridges/tunnels (e.g., between Hong Kong/Macau and mainland China); follow posted directions closely.

Preparation and patience help you adapt quickly, but when in doubt, slow down, follow the markings, and let faster traffic pass where legal.

Summary

Whether it is illegal to drive on the left side of the road depends entirely on the country’s traffic system. In right-hand-traffic countries, using the left side of a two-way road is generally illegal except for narrow, signposted exceptions; in left-hand-traffic countries, the inverse applies. Know the local rule, heed lane markings and signs, and only cross the center when the law and conditions clearly allow. This article provides general information, not legal advice; always consult local statutes if you’re unsure.

Is it illegal to drive on the left side?

California laws specifically target slow drivers impeding the flow of traffic. Drivers who aren’t keeping up with the flow of traffic must keep right. Exceptions for using the left lane include passing another vehicle or making a left turn.

Can you get pulled over for driving in the left lane?

That said, it is illegal to drive in the left lane, unless passing or exiting. You’re not supposed to travel in the left lane, and you can get pulled over and cited for that.

Is it illegal to drive in the left lane in the US?

Keep Right? Law prohibits obstructing traffic by driving continuously in the left lane. The duty of slower traffic to keep right applies “notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits.” The left lane is reserved for passing where the speed limit is 65 or higher.

Does Tennessee have a left lane law?

Slow Poke Law
When traveling on an interstate or roadway with 3 or more lanes in each direction, a vehicle cannot be in the far left lane except when passing another vehicle that is in a non-passing lane.