Which side is the driver’s side in Europe?
In most of Europe, the driver sits on the left because traffic keeps to the right; however, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and several nearby islands, the driver sits on the right because traffic keeps to the left. This split reflects long-standing regional practices and historical road conventions across the continent.
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How road rules determine the driver’s side
Whether the driver sits on the left or right depends on which side of the road a country uses. Right-hand traffic (RHT) places vehicles on the right side of the roadway, so the steering wheel is typically on the left (left-hand drive, LHD). Left-hand traffic (LHT) places vehicles on the left side, so the steering wheel is on the right (right-hand drive, RHD). Europe includes both systems, though the vast majority of continental countries use RHT and therefore LHD cars.
Where the driver’s seat is on most of the continent
Across continental Europe, traffic generally keeps to the right, so the driver’s seat is on the left. This aligns with neighboring road systems and cross-border logistics, making it easier for motorists and freight to move between countries without changing driving conventions.
Countries using right-hand traffic (driver sits on the left)
The following examples illustrate the widespread use of right-hand traffic across continental Europe, where cars are predominantly left-hand drive:
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal
- Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
- Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein
- Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland
- Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia
- Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania
- Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova
- Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
- Ukraine, Belarus
- Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
In these countries, the driver’s seat is on the left to provide better visibility of oncoming traffic and road edges when driving on the right side of the road.
Exceptions: Countries using left-hand traffic (driver sits on the right)
A small number of European jurisdictions keep to the left, meaning vehicles are commonly right-hand drive and the driver sits on the right:
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Ireland
- Cyprus
- Malta
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark)
In these places, right-hand-drive vehicles offer better sightlines for passing and junctions when traveling on the left side of the road.
Practical tips for travelers
If you’re renting a car or crossing borders by road in Europe, a few quick checks can help ensure a smooth trip:
- Confirm the local driving side before you arrive and book an LHD or RHD vehicle accordingly.
- Look for LHD/RHD labels in rental listings; most fleets match the local standard.
- Practice lane positioning, mirror use, and roundabout navigation—especially when switching systems.
- Watch for headlights’ beam patterns; some cars need adjustment to avoid glare when driving in the opposite system.
- At tolls, parking gates, and drive-throughs, be mindful of which side the payment machine is on relative to the driver’s seat.
With a bit of preparation, adapting to the local driving side becomes straightforward, even when crossing between regions with different rules.
Why Europe differs on driver placement
Europe’s split stems from historical, colonial, and engineering influences. The UK and Ireland maintained left-hand traffic traditions that predate modern motoring, while much of continental Europe standardized on right-hand traffic during the 20th century to harmonize cross-border travel and trade. Geographic proximity and interoperability—with neighbors using the same system—reinforced each region’s choice over time.
Summary
Most of Europe drives on the right, so the driver sits on the left. Notable exceptions—United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands—drive on the left, so the driver sits on the right. Check local rules and your vehicle’s configuration before you drive.
