Driving on the Left: What It Means and Why It Matters

Driving on the left means vehicles keep to the left-hand side of the roadway, drivers typically sit on the right side of the car, overtakes happen on the right, and roundabouts generally circulate clockwise. The practice—often called left-hand traffic (LHT)—is used in dozens of countries and territories worldwide, shaping everything from vehicle design to road signs and border infrastructure. Understanding how it works helps travelers, policymakers, and road users navigate safely across different jurisdictions.

What “driving on the left” actually entails

Left-hand traffic sets the default position of vehicles and flow of movement in a road system. It influences how drivers position their vehicles, how they pass, and how intersections and roundabouts function.

The following points outline the core conventions that typically apply where people drive on the left:

• Keep left, pass right: Cruising and slower traffic remain in the left lanes; overtakes are usually made on the right.
• Right-hand drive vehicles: The steering wheel is generally on the right, placing drivers closer to the centerline for better sightlines when overtaking.
• Roundabouts: Traffic circulates clockwise, with drivers usually giving way to vehicles approaching from the right.
• Turning rules: Left turns are the near-side, simpler turns; right turns cross oncoming traffic and require more caution.
• Pedestrian awareness: People crossing the street should check for oncoming traffic from the right first.
• Roadside placement: Most signs and bus stops are positioned to favor left-side flow; mirror use and lane discipline are adjusted accordingly.

While these practices are broadly consistent, always check local rules: lane usage, roundabout priority, and signaling can vary by country and even by city.

Where in the world people drive on the left

About three-quarters of countries drive on the right, but a significant number—roughly 76 countries and territories—use left-hand traffic, encompassing around a third of the world’s population. Below are notable examples by region (not exhaustive):

• Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta.
• Asia: Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Hong Kong, Macau.
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga.
• Africa: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles.
• Americas and Caribbean: Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Some regions maintain different traffic sides across borders—mainland China drives on the right, while Hong Kong and Macau drive on the left—requiring engineered crossovers on bridges and at checkpoints to swap sides safely.

How this pattern emerged—and sometimes changed

Historically, left-side travel traces to pre-motor eras when right-handed riders kept to the left to keep sword arms near oncoming traffic. Britain codified left-side rules early, and its colonial networks spread the practice across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Japan adopted left-hand running for railways in the 19th century and extended it to roads.

Several countries have switched sides to harmonize with neighbors or vehicle supply: Sweden moved from left to right in 1967 (the “Dagen H” changeover), Myanmar switched to right in 1970, and Samoa shifted from right to left in 2009 to align with Australia and New Zealand’s vehicle imports.

Vehicles and infrastructure in left-driving systems

Driving on the left affects how cars are built and how roads are engineered. The differences are practical and intended to improve visibility, boarding, and traffic flow.

Key features you’re likely to encounter include:

• Right-hand drive (RHD) cars: Steering wheel on the right; gear selector and controls mirror right-hand traffic layouts.
• Headlight beam patterns: Low beams dip left to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers; importing a car from a right-driving country often requires headlight adjustment.
• Door placement and platforms: Bus doors and station layouts are oriented for left-side boarding; one-way systems and curb designs reflect LHT flow.
• Signage and markings: Sign placement favors the left verge; lane arrows, turn bays, and merge designs invert right-traffic norms.
• Border crossovers: Purpose-built flyovers or “crossover” intersections safely switch sides where LHT meets right-hand traffic.

These elements create a cohesive system; mismatches—such as using unmodified headlights or unfamiliar lane discipline—can increase risk.

Adjusting if you’re used to driving on the right

Switching sides can feel disorienting at first. Preparation and a few mental cues help drivers adapt quickly and safely.

• Choose an automatic, right-hand drive rental to reduce cognitive load.
• Use the road centerline as your anchor—keep your body nearer the center of the road.
• Practice in low-traffic areas; rehearse roundabouts and multi-lane merges.
• Repeat cues: “Keep left, look right first,” especially at junctions and when pulling out.
• Be cautious with muscle memory: Gear shifting and mirror checks are mirrored; take deliberate actions.
• Watch local speed limits and signs; units may be mph (e.g., UK) or km/h (e.g., Australia, Japan).

Most drivers acclimate within a day or two; staying patient and building routines reduces errors, especially at turns and roundabouts.

Safety and enforcement

There’s no inherent safety advantage to left- or right-hand traffic; outcomes depend more on road design, enforcement, vehicle safety standards, and driver behavior. Consistent rules, clear markings, and compliance—such as disciplined overtaking and yielding—matter far more than which side a country uses.

Summary

Driving on the left means traffic keeps left, overtakes on the right, and typically uses right-hand drive vehicles, with roundabouts running clockwise. Practiced in about 76 countries and territories—including the UK, Japan, India, Australia, and much of Southern Africa and the Caribbean—LHT stems from historical conventions and colonial influence. For travelers, the key is to internalize lane discipline, intersection priorities, and local signage; with a bit of practice, switching sides becomes straightforward and safe.

Is driving on the left or right safer?

Neither driving on the left nor the right is inherently safer; safety depends on following the convention used by the majority of drivers in a particular region to avoid confusion and accidents. Some studies suggest left-hand driving may be safer for right-handed individuals due to the dominant eye and hand being better positioned to monitor traffic and control the vehicle. However, the most significant factor is the collective behavior and adherence to the established rule of the road, as demonstrated by Sweden’s successful switch from left- to right-hand driving without a lasting increase in accident rates.
 
Arguments for driving on the left

• Right-handed dominance: As most people are right-handed and right-eye dominant, driving on the left places the dominant eye closer to oncoming traffic and keeps the dominant hand on the steering wheel. 
• Historical precedent: In the past, Samurai carried swords on their left hip, and driving on the left allowed them to avoid collisions when passing. 
• Early studies: A 1969 study by J.J. Leeming indicated that countries driving on the left had lower collision rates, though the sample size was small. 

Arguments for driving on the right

• Global convention: The majority of the world’s population (over 60%) drives on the right, making it the prevailing standard. 
• Adaptation studies: Sweden’s transition from driving on the left to the right in 1967 showed that after an initial adjustment period, there was no significant change in the accident rate. 
• No definitive evidence: Some experts argue that there is no proven inherent safety difference between the two systems and that any observed differences are minimal. 

Key takeaway

• Consistency is key: The most important factor for safety is consistently following the established rule of the road in your area. 
• Adaptation and awareness: When traveling to a country with a different driving convention, focus on adapting quickly and being more aware of your surroundings to minimize risks. 

Why does Britain drive on the left?

Britain drives on the left due to its history with horseback riding and carriage driving, where right-handed individuals preferred to keep their right (sword or whip) hand free for greeting or control. Traffic congestion in 18th-century London led to the first official traffic laws mandating left-hand travel for vehicles, a rule that was later codified into law and spread throughout the British Empire, influencing countries like Australia and India.
 
Historical Roots

• Horseback Riders & Swords: Opens in new tabIn medieval times, most people were right-handed, so keeping to the left side of the road allowed their dominant hand to remain free to draw a sword for defense or greetings against oncoming strangers. 
• Mounting Horses: Opens in new tabMost people mount their horses from the left side, so being on the left edge of the road was safer. 
• Wagon Drivers: Opens in new tabThe introduction of large, horse-drawn wagons in the 18th century made it more practical for drivers, who often sat on the rear left horse to control the team, to keep to the left to use their whip freely. 

Official Regulation

• London’s Congestion: Opens in new tabIn the 18th century, traffic congestion in cities like London made it necessary to establish rules for traffic flow. 
• London Bridge Law: Opens in new tabA traffic law was introduced for London Bridge in the 18th century, requiring vehicles to keep to the left to reduce collisions. 
• Highway Act: Opens in new tabThis rule was formalized and incorporated into the British Highway Act of 1835 and later into the 1883 Highway Act, making left-hand driving mandatory. 

British Imperial Influence

• Colonial Legacy: As Britain built its empire, the practice of driving on the left was extended to many of its colonies, including Australia, New Zealand, and India, which still drive on the left today. 
• Resistance to Napoleon: Unlike mainland Europe, which largely adopted right-hand driving under Napoleon’s influence, Britain and its territories resisted this change. 

What country drives on the left?

These include India, Australia, New Zealand and former British colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. Very few countries drive on the left in Europe like we do in the UK. The Channel Islands, Ireland, The Isle of Man, Cyprus, and Malta are the only European countries that also drive on the left.

Is driving in the UK left or right?

Left
Left-hand driving became mandatory in Britain in 1835 and was adopted throughout the British Empire. Did you know? The UK Government considered switching to the right in 1969 but rejected the idea because of safety issues and the huge cost involved.