Does the United States Use Left-Hand Traffic?

No. The United States drives on the right-hand side of the road, with left-hand-drive vehicles standard across the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The notable exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where motorists drive on the left—an uncommon arrangement within U.S. jurisdictions.

How Driving Works Across the States

From Maine to California and Alaska to Florida, traffic in the United States keeps right. Most vehicles place the steering wheel on the left side, road rules and signage are standardized under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph). Pedestrians generally look left first when stepping into a two-way street, reflecting the right-side traffic flow.

Exceptions: Where U.S. Jurisdictions Differ

The following list summarizes which side of the road is used in U.S. states and territories, highlighting the sole outlier. This helps travelers plan appropriately, especially when moving between mainland states and island territories.

• 50 States + Washington, D.C.: Right-hand traffic
• Puerto Rico: Right-hand traffic
• Guam: Right-hand traffic
• Northern Mariana Islands: Right-hand traffic
• American Samoa: Right-hand traffic
• U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix): Left-hand traffic

In practical terms, only the U.S. Virgin Islands diverge from the national norm. Travelers heading there should be mindful of left-side driving, even though speed limits remain in mph and many vehicles are still left-hand-drive.

Why the U.S. Virgin Islands Drive on the Left

The U.S. Virgin Islands retained left-hand traffic from longstanding regional practice in the Caribbean, influenced by neighboring islands where left-side driving has been the norm. After the islands were transferred to U.S. sovereignty in 1917, local law and custom continued to support left-side operation. Today, visitors will see “Keep Left” reminders, especially near ports and airports.

Vehicle Steering Wheel Position in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Despite left-side traffic, many cars in the U.S. Virgin Islands are left-hand-drive, imported from the mainland U.S. Right-hand-drive vehicles are also present, but the mix can feel unusual to drivers accustomed to a matched setup (RHD on left-side roads). Extra caution with passing and sightlines is advised.

Related Mainland Roadway Quirks (But Not Left-Hand Traffic)

On the U.S. mainland, drivers may encounter one-way streets, reversible lanes, and bus-only or contraflow lanes that run opposite adjacent traffic. These are traffic-management tools, not true left-hand driving. Standard two-way roads remain right-side throughout the states and D.C.

Travel Tips for Visitors

If you plan to drive in the United States or its territories, the following tips can help you adapt quickly to the local traffic side and rules.

• In the 50 states and D.C., keep right and expect left-hand-drive vehicles.
• In the U.S. Virgin Islands, keep left, take turns slowly, and watch for “Keep Left” signs.
• Verify rental car steering position in the U.S. Virgin Islands and adjust mirrors carefully for visibility.
• Remember speed limits are posted in mph across U.S. jurisdictions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• As a pedestrian, look in the direction of oncoming traffic first (left on the mainland; right in the U.S. Virgin Islands).

With a few preparations—especially when switching between right- and left-side jurisdictions—most motorists and pedestrians adjust quickly and safely.

Summary

The United States follows right-hand traffic nationwide, except in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where driving is on the left. Travelers moving between the mainland and the islands should be aware of the difference, watch local signage, and take extra care with vehicle setup and lane positioning.

Is America left or right hand traffic?

The Federal Highway Administration has often been asked about the American practice of driving on the right, instead of the left, as in Great Britain, our “Mother Country.” Albert C.

Why are US cars left-hand drive?

US cars are left-hand drive because Americans drive on the right side of the road, and the left-hand drive position provides a better view of oncoming traffic and the road center for safer passing and parallel parking. This practice became a standard in America with the Ford Model T, though the transition from right-hand to left-hand drive occurred as large freight wagons became common, leading drivers to sit on the left horse to control the team with their right hand.
 
Historical Context

• Early Influences: Before the widespread use of automobiles, the convention for driving and riding was influenced by the need to keep the sword hand (the right hand) free for right-handed individuals. 
• Conestoga Wagons: In America, large freight wagons like the Conestoga wagon were common. To control the large teams of horses, drivers often sat on the left-hand horse, which naturally led to driving on the right side of the road for better visibility and control of the team. 
• Ford Model T: The Ford Model T, produced starting in 1908, was the first mass-produced car to place the steering wheel on the left side, which standardized the practice of left-hand drive in the US and cemented the right-hand traffic rule. 

Benefits of Left-Hand Drive on the Right Side of the Road 

• Improved Visibility: The driver is positioned closer to the center of the road, offering a clearer view of the oncoming lanes when passing. 
• Safer Parallel Parking: Drivers can better judge the distance to the curb and avoid obstacles when parking parallel to the right side of the road. 
• Road and Traffic Awareness: The driver has a better perspective of the road’s centerline and can more easily gauge clearance from other vehicles in traffic. 

Is the USA left-hand or right hand?

About two thirds of the countries in the world drive on the right including the USA, China and Russia. Canada used to drive on the left but changed to the right to make border crossings with the United States of America more manageable.

Is the US traffic left or right?

United States
Massachusetts formalized RHT in 1821. However, the National Road was LHT until 1850, “long after the rest of the country had settled on the keep-right convention”. Today the United States is RHT except the United States Virgin Islands, which is LHT like many neighbouring islands.