Is the USA left or right hand drive?

The United States drives on the right-hand side of the road, and most vehicles are left-hand drive (steering wheel on the left). In other words, the country follows right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive cars. There is one notable exception among U.S. jurisdictions—the U.S. Virgin Islands—where traffic keeps left. Understanding these distinctions helps travelers and new residents navigate safely and comply with local rules.

What “left-hand drive” and “right-hand traffic” mean

Left-hand drive (LHD) refers to vehicles with the steering wheel on the left side of the cabin; right-hand traffic (RHT) means vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The U.S. standard is LHD vehicles operating in RHT. Right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles are legal in the U.S., but they are uncommon and mostly used by postal carriers or imported-vehicle enthusiasts.

How the U.S. mainland drives

All 50 states and Washington, D.C., drive on the right. Passenger vehicles are predominantly left-hand drive, which positions the driver closer to the centerline of the roadway for better sightlines when passing and turning. While RHD vehicles can be registered and driven in most places, they’re relatively rare outside specialized uses.

Notable exceptions in U.S. jurisdictions

While the national norm is right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive cars, a few U.S. jurisdictions and territories have particular practices worth noting. The following list highlights the key details travelers should know.

• U.S. Virgin Islands: Drives on the left-hand side of the road. Many vehicles are still left-hand drive due to imports from the mainland, so extra care is advised on curves and overtaking.
• Puerto Rico: Drives on the right-hand side; vehicles are left-hand drive, consistent with the mainland.
• Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands: Drive on the right-hand side; left-hand-drive vehicles are common, though some right-hand-drive imports exist.
• American Samoa: Drives on the right-hand side; vehicles are primarily left-hand drive.

In short, the U.S. Virgin Islands are the main outlier by driving on the left. Most other U.S. jurisdictions follow the mainland pattern of right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive vehicles.

Practical tips for visitors and new residents

If you’re adjusting to U.S. driving from a left-side system or visiting from abroad, the following points help align expectations with common U.S. rules and practices.

1. Lane discipline: Keep right except to pass varies by state; passing on the left is standard on multi-lane roads.
2. Right on red: In all 50 states and D.C., you may generally turn right on red after a complete stop unless signage prohibits it. In New York City, right on red is prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows it.
3. Units and signs: Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph), and distances are in miles.
4. Vehicle configuration: Expect left-hand-drive rental cars; seatbelts are mandatory and child-seat rules vary by state—check local requirements.

Keeping these rules in mind will make it easier to adapt quickly and drive confidently within the U.S. system.

Summary

The United States operates right-hand traffic with left-hand-drive vehicles. The major exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where traffic keeps left (though many cars are still LHD). Most other U.S. territories follow the mainland pattern. Travelers should also note common practices such as right-on-red rules and speed limits in mph.

Is the US left or right-hand drive?

Right
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.

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.

What side is the steering wheel on in the USA?

Following the roll out of one revolutionary. Car ford Model T was the first car to implement left-hand. Drive with Ford declaring that this would make it easier for people entering on the passenger.

Is America the only country with left-hand drive?

Around 64 countries drive on the left-hand side of the road while the rest of the world drives on the right. In Europe, very few countries drive on the left like we do. These are The Channel Islands, Cyprus, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Malta.