Is the USA left-hand drive?

Yes. In the United States, most vehicles are left-hand drive (steering wheel on the left), and traffic keeps to the right side of the road. A notable exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where traffic keeps left even though most cars are still left-hand drive. Below is a detailed look at what that means, why it’s the case, and what travelers should know.

What “left-hand drive” means in the U.S.

Left-hand drive (LHD) refers to vehicles with the steering wheel on the left side of the cabin, designed primarily for right-hand traffic (RHT)—driving on the right side of the road. This setup is standard across the 50 states and most U.S. territories. It influences road design, lane markings, intersection layouts, and driver visibility, especially when turning or overtaking.

Historical and legal background

The U.S. standardized right-hand traffic during the early 20th century, driven by industrialization and nationwide vehicle adoption. The widespread popularity of mass-produced LHD cars—starting notably with the Ford Model T—reinforced right-side traffic norms. Today, state traffic codes uniformly require driving on the right, and federal vehicle standards are built around LHD configurations.

Exceptions and special cases

While the U.S. overwhelmingly uses right-hand traffic with LHD vehicles, there are a few quirks worth noting, particularly in U.S. territories and among specialized vehicle fleets.

Key points that summarize how “left-hand drive” works across the U.S. and its territories:

• All 50 states drive on the right; consumer vehicles are predominantly left-hand drive.
• U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left, yet most cars there are still LHD, so drivers sit curbside rather than on the centerline side.
• Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa drive on the right, with largely LHD vehicles.
• Some specialty and service vehicles in the U.S. (e.g., USPS rural delivery trucks, certain refuse and street-sweeping vehicles) use right-hand drive to facilitate curbside work.
• Privately owned right-hand drive vehicles can be legal, but they are uncommon and subject to federal and state compliance rules.

Taken together, the rule of thumb is simple: expect LHD cars and right-side driving almost everywhere under U.S. jurisdiction, with the U.S. Virgin Islands as the main exception for road direction.

Practical tips for visitors and new drivers

If you’re planning to drive in the U.S. or its territories, a few practical considerations can make your experience safer and more predictable.

1. Expect an LHD rental car and right-side traffic throughout the 50 states and most territories.
2. Keep right except to pass on multi-lane roads (specific “keep right” rules vary by state).
3. Right turn on red is generally allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it; in New York City, it’s prohibited unless a sign explicitly permits it.
4. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph); adjust if you’re used to kilometers.
5. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop has the right of way; if tied, yield to the vehicle on your right.
6. School buses with flashing red lights require traffic in both directions to stop on undivided roads.
7. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, remember to keep left at all times; be extra cautious when making turns and at roundabouts.
8. Seat belts are mandatory; child restraint rules vary by state, so check local requirements.

These guidelines cover the most common scenarios; always verify local laws, which can differ by state or territory.

Why the U.S. stuck with LHD

The LHD/right-hand traffic combination aligns with manufacturing, safety engineering, and road design, optimizing driver sightlines when overtaking and turning across oncoming traffic. Keeping this standard nationwide simplifies interstate travel and vehicle regulation across a large, interconnected road network.

Summary

The United States uses left-hand drive vehicles and right-hand traffic across all states and most territories. The standout exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where traffic keeps left even though most cars are still LHD. For visitors, plan on LHD rentals, follow right-side driving rules, and pay attention to local variations such as right-on-red rules and unique territorial practices.

Is right-hand drive legal in the US?

Yes, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are legal to operate on public roads in the United States, provided they meet the necessary Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and relevant state regulations. While not prohibited, RHD cars are uncommon, with notable exceptions being USPS delivery vehicles and imported classic or enthusiast vehicles. To legally drive a RHD vehicle, it must pass safety inspections and meet emission standards, similar to standard left-hand drive cars. 
Federal Regulations

• No Federal Prohibition: Opens in new tabThere are no federal laws in the US that ban the use of right-hand drive vehicles on public roads. 
• Safety and Emissions Standards: Opens in new tabTo be street-legal, a RHD vehicle must comply with the FMVSS, which covers aspects like seat belts, lighting, and overall safety. It also needs to meet any applicable state and federal emission standards. 

State-Specific Requirements 

• Compliance: In addition to federal standards, a vehicle must comply with any additional safety and emissions regulations imposed by the specific state where it is registered and operated.

Challenges and Exceptions

• Driver’s Perspective: Driving a RHD vehicle on US roads can be challenging due to the design of the roads and traffic for left-hand drive cars, potentially affecting visibility when passing. 
• Mail Delivery Trucks: The US Postal Service (USPS) uses RHD trucks so mail carriers can easily reach mailboxes on the side of the road. 
• Vehicle Imports: Many RHD cars are imported from countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Vehicles older than 25 years are often exempt from modern safety standards. 

In summary: As long as a right-hand drive vehicle meets the safety and emissions requirements for the United States and its respective states, it is legal to own and operate.

Is the USA left or right-hand drive?

The USA is a right-hand drive country, meaning traffic moves on the right side of the road, and the steering wheel is located on the left side of vehicles. This custom was established through the practice of horse-drawn wagon drivers riding the left rear horse to better observe the ditch on the road’s right side.
 
Why the USA drives on the right

• Historical Practice: Right-hand travel was predominant in colonial America, with evidence suggesting it was established by the time of early settlements. 
• Vehicle Design: Early horse-drawn wagons required drivers to control horses from the left rear wheel, making it easier to see the right side of the road. 
• Safety: This position allowed drivers to better monitor the space along the road’s edge and handle the whip to guide the horses. 

Left-Hand Drive vs. Right-Hand Drive

• Right-Hand Traffic: In right-hand traffic countries, the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. 
• Left-Hand Traffic: In left-hand traffic countries, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. 
• Global Practice: While the USA drives on the right, about 75% of the world drives on the right, with most of the remaining 25% driving on the left. 

Is America left-hand or right-hand?

The majority of the world – around two-thirds of countries – drives on the right-hand side, including: USA and Canada (Canada switched from left to right in the 1920s to align with the US) Most of Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) China and Russia.

Which country is left-hand drive?

Some other countries chose the left-hand side of the road. These countries include: Japan, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Mozambique, Suriname, East Timor, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and more. Today, only four European countries drive on the left-hand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.