What Is the Left-Side Rule for Driving?

The left-side rule means vehicles drive on the left side of the road, typically with the driver seated on the right side of the car; you keep left in normal travel, overtake on the right, and circulate roundabouts clockwise while giving way to traffic from your right. This system—known as left-hand traffic—governs road use in dozens of countries and territories and comes with distinct lane discipline, turning, and right-of-way conventions that differ from right-hand traffic systems.

What the Left-Side Rule Means in Practice

Left-hand traffic (LHT) requires motorists to keep to the left edge of the carriageway and positions oncoming traffic on the driver’s right. Vehicle controls are typically configured with the steering wheel on the right, aiding visibility of oncoming traffic and road edges. While the core rule—keep left—is consistent, details such as intersection priority and permitted passing on the left vary by jurisdiction, so local highway codes should always be checked.

Core Behaviors Under Left-Hand Traffic

The following points describe the fundamental conventions drivers are expected to follow in countries where the left-side rule applies.

• Keep left during normal travel; use the right side only to overtake or when signage directs otherwise.
• Overtake on the right; “undertaking” (passing on the left) is generally prohibited except where lanes are clearly segregated by destination or in slow, congested traffic when permitted by local law.
• Roundabouts flow clockwise; yield to traffic coming from your right when entering, unless signs or signals indicate otherwise.
• Turns: left turns are the “near-side” turn (no oncoming lane to cross); right turns cross opposing traffic—wait for a safe gap or a protected signal.
• Lane discipline: on multi-lane roads and motorways, keep to the leftmost lane unless overtaking; move back left after passing.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: expect pedestrians to look first to their right when stepping off a curb; cyclists ride with traffic on the left—give them ample space when overtaking.
• Road signage and markings: “Keep left” arrows, solid white lines, and right-side mirrors are designed to reinforce left-hand flow; observe local signage for bus, high-occupancy, or bicycle lanes.

Together, these practices maintain predictable traffic flow, reduce conflicts at speed, and align driver sightlines, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

Right-of-Way and Priority Nuances

Right-of-way in LHT countries follows the same safety logic as elsewhere but is mirrored by the traffic flow. The general principles below apply widely, though there are important local variations you should verify before driving.

• Roundabouts: give way to traffic from your right already on the circle; signal your exit as you approach your turn-off.
• Unmarked intersections: rules vary—many LHT countries use “give way to the right” at uncontrolled intersections (e.g., Australia, New Zealand), but others (e.g., the UK) assign no automatic priority at such junctions; proceed cautiously and be prepared to yield.
• Turning conflicts: when turning right across oncoming traffic, yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
• Pedestrian crossings: yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks; in many places, flashing amber or zebra crossings give pedestrians priority once they step onto the crossing.
• Emergency vehicles: pull left and stop when safe to allow them to pass on your right, unless directed otherwise by authorities.

Because intersection rules differ by country and even city, treat unfamiliar, unsigned junctions with extra caution and defer to posted signs, road markings, and signals.

Where the Left-Side Rule Applies

About a quarter of the world’s countries and territories drive on the left. The following is a representative—though not exhaustive—list of places that follow left-hand traffic.

• Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta, Cyprus
• Asia: Japan; India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives; Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Timor-Leste; Hong Kong, Macau
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand; Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Cook Islands, Niue
• Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles
• Caribbean and Atlantic: Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
• South America: Guyana, Suriname
• Other territories: Falkland Islands; Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Always confirm local rules before driving—border regions and territories may have unique arrangements or signage near crossings with right-hand-traffic neighbors.

Tips for Drivers Switching Between Left and Right Systems

If you’re accustomed to right-hand traffic, the change to left-hand traffic can be disorienting at first. The following practical steps help reduce risk during the transition.

1. Use a rental with local-standard controls (right-hand drive in LHT countries) to optimize visibility and mirror use.
2. Mentally “anchor” your position to the road’s centerline being on your right; glance to confirm after each turn.
3. Take the first day slowly: avoid night driving and complex urban junctions until you’re comfortable.
4. Approach roundabouts deliberately: look right, yield, and enter only when the path is clear.
5. After overtaking, move back left promptly; don’t cruise in the right lane.
6. Set mirrors and seat for maximum right-side visibility; use lane-keeping and navigation aids if available.
7. Watch for “wrong-lane drift” after turning onto quiet two-way roads—use road markings and curb position as cues.

Building deliberate habits early—especially at turns and roundabouts—greatly reduces the risk of lapses when your muscle memory from right-hand traffic kicks in.

Summary

The left-side rule requires driving on the left, overtaking on the right, and circulating roundabouts clockwise—while following local right-of-way rules that often, but not always, prioritize traffic from the right. It’s used across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Caribbean. If you’re new to left-hand traffic, slow down, keep left except to pass, and treat intersections and roundabouts with extra care until the mirrored layout feels natural.

What is the left-right-left rule in driving?

So we actually do both let’s practice that again here we come to a full stop. And we look right left right for pedestrians cyclists and now as we’re about to go we look left right left for cars.

Are you supposed to pass to the left or right?

When we are allowed to pass other vehicles, we usually pass on the left. You are permitted to pass on the right only in certain circumstances and it must be done only when necessary and safe. When you pass other vehicles or change lanes to keep away from hazards, do so with caution and only when necessary.

Does the car on the left always have the right of way?

Without STOP or YIELD signs: The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. However, if a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right.

What is the law on driving in the left lane?

California. California laws specifically target slow drivers impeding the flow of traffic. Drivers who aren’t keeping up with the flow of traffic must keep right. Exceptions for using the left lane include passing another vehicle or making a left turn.