Which European Countries Drive on the Left?

Only four sovereign European countries drive on the left: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. While most of continental Europe keeps to the right, these nations maintain left-hand traffic due to historical and practical reasons, with a handful of nearby territories following suit and a few notable border nuances for travelers.

The Four European Countries That Keep Left

The following list identifies the sovereign states in Europe where motorists drive on the left side of the road, a rarity on the continent but a consistent rule within each country’s borders.

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Cyprus
• Malta

Together, these countries form the full roster of left-driving sovereign states in Europe. Their road systems, signage, and vehicle norms (including a prevalence of right-hand-drive cars) are built around this convention.

Why These Countries Keep Left

Left-hand traffic in these nations largely stems from British legal and administrative influence. The United Kingdom’s practice goes back centuries, and Ireland retained it following independence. Cyprus and Malta, both former British colonies, continued the system after self-rule, favoring consistency in infrastructure, driver habits, and vehicle fleets over the complexity and cost of switching sides.

Territories, Dependencies, and Notable Exceptions

Beyond sovereign countries, several European territories and dependencies also drive on the left, while at least one British territory in Europe drives on the right due to cross-border realities. The list below clarifies these special cases.

• Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, and associated isles): Left
• Isle of Man: Left
• Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus): Left
• Gibraltar: Right (aligned with neighboring Spain)

These arrangements are shaped by geography and governance. Islands closely tied to the UK remain left-driving, while Gibraltar’s right-hand traffic reflects practical alignment with Spain’s road network across its only land border.

Travel Notes for Crossing Borders

Driving from a left-driving country into a right-driving one (or vice versa) requires vigilance, especially at borders and roundabouts. The pointers below highlight key considerations for motorists planning cross-border trips in and around these countries.

• Expect immediate side-switching at land borders (e.g., Northern Ireland–Republic of Ireland maintains left on both sides, but Gibraltar–Spain switches to right).
• Roundabouts and turning priorities invert when changing sides; follow local signage closely.
• Headlight beam patterns and mirror setups may need adjustment when touring across systems.
• Rental cars are typically configured to local norms (right-hand drive in left-driving countries).

With preparation and attention to signage, the transition is manageable, but first-time visitors should allow extra time and proceed conservatively until fully oriented.

Summary

In Europe, only the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta drive on the left. Several nearby territories—such as the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and the UK bases on Cyprus—do too, while Gibraltar aligns with Spain and drives on the right. For travelers, understanding where the switch occurs and adapting driving habits accordingly is essential for safe, confident motoring.

Do Germany drive on the left?

Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Germany and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you’re used to driving on the left.

Why do the Brits drive on the left?

Brits drive on the left due to a centuries-old practice that became entrenched through legal mandates and the prevalence of smaller, horse-drawn vehicles in the UK. Drivers, being mostly right-handed, would sit on the right side to keep their whip hand free. This tradition solidified with London’s 1756 “keep left” traffic rule for London Bridge and was later incorporated into the 1835 Highway Act, making left-hand driving mandatory across the country. 
Historical Roots

• Horseback Riding: Opens in new tabThe practice of left-hand traffic dates back to when people rode horses and walked. To defend against potential attackers approaching from the right, right-handed individuals would keep to the left, allowing their dominant hand to be free for a sword or weapon. 
• Horse-Drawn Waggons: Opens in new tabIn the 18th and 19th centuries, larger horse-drawn freight wagons were common in some parts of Europe. Drivers would sit on the rear left of the wagon to better control their animals with their right hand and avoid oncoming traffic. However, smaller British vehicles had driver’s seats behind the horses, leading to the driver sitting on the right to keep their whip hand free, which kept traffic on the left. 
• Papal Decree: Opens in new tabOne of the earliest known official sanctions for left-hand traffic was established in 1300 AD by Pope Boniface VIII, who declared that all pilgrims traveling to Rome should keep to the left. 

Solidification into Law 

• Traffic Laws: Opens in new tabIn 1756, London implemented a traffic law requiring all vehicles on London Bridge to keep to the left to reduce collisions. 
• Highway Act of 1835: Opens in new tabThis rule was formally adopted into law by the Highway Act of 1835, establishing left-hand driving as a mandatory practice throughout Great Britain. 

Reasons for Not Changing

• High Cost and Difficulty of Change: The cost and potential danger of changing traffic patterns in a developed country like Great Britain would be immense. 
• Deep-Rooted Habits: Changing well-established habits for millions of drivers is a difficult and time-consuming process. 
• Colonial Influence: Left-hand driving was prevalent in Britain’s colonies, and these countries maintained the tradition even after gaining independence. 

Is France left or right-hand drive?

France uses right-hand traffic (RHT), meaning drivers drive on the right side of the road and the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle. This is similar to most other countries in Europe and the Americas, where the majority of the world’s countries use right-hand traffic.
 
Key Points

• Driving Side: On the right. 
• Vehicle Configuration: Steering wheel on the left. 
• International Context: Part of the majority of countries that drive on the right, as opposed to the minority that drive on the left. 
• Historical Context: The shift to driving on the right in France was influenced by Napoleon and the widespread implementation of French customs across Europe following his conquests. 

How many European countries drive on the left?

Most countries that drive on the left are former British colonies including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Only four European nations still drive on the left, all of which are islands. Ths group consists of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.