Countries and territories that drive on the left (left-hand traffic) in 2025

About 75 jurisdictions worldwide use left-hand traffic today, concentrated in Southern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean. Major examples include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and most English-speaking Caribbean nations. Below is a detailed, region-by-region list of sovereign countries and key territories that drive on the left as of 2025.

Sovereign countries with left-hand traffic (by region)

Europe and the Mediterranean

These European sovereign states maintain left-hand traffic, reflecting historical and legal continuity in the region.

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Cyprus
• Malta

Together, these four countries form the European core of left-hand driving, with well-established cross-border accommodations (for example, UK–Ireland ferry traffic and Cyprus’s unique road links).

Africa

Southern and parts of Eastern Africa predominantly drive on the left, a legacy of regional integration and former British influence.

• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

This contiguous bloc facilitates cross-border freight and tourism, especially within the Southern African Customs Union and the East African Community members that use LHT.

Asia

Much of South and Southeast Asia observes left-hand traffic; notable exceptions include Myanmar (right-hand traffic) and most of mainland East Asia.

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste (East Timor)

From Japan to the Indian subcontinent and down through the Malay Archipelago, LHT supports dense intra-regional travel and long-standing vehicle regulations.

Oceania

Oceania includes two large LHT countries and several smaller island states aligned with regional standards.

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu

These nations share vehicle import patterns and traffic norms with Australia and New Zealand, aided by ferry and air-cargo links that supply right-hand-drive vehicles.

Americas and the Caribbean

In the Americas, left-hand traffic is concentrated in the Caribbean and the Guianas.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago

These states reflect a regional pattern where inter-island travel and imports from LHT markets shaped road rules; neighboring mainland countries like Brazil and Venezuela use right-hand traffic.

Dependent territories and special jurisdictions with left-hand traffic

Europe and nearby

Several Crown Dependencies and UK territories in or near Europe drive on the left, mirroring UK practice.

• Isle of Man (Crown Dependency)
• Guernsey, Alderney, Sark (Bailiwick of Guernsey; Crown Dependency)
• Jersey (Crown Dependency)
• Gibraltar (UK Overseas Territory)
• Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus)

These jurisdictions coordinate closely with UK-style traffic law and signage, ensuring consistency for residents and visitors.

Asia

Two Special Administrative Regions of China retain left-hand traffic, distinct from mainland China’s right-hand system.

• Hong Kong (China)
• Macau (China)
• British Indian Ocean Territory (UK)

Cross-border road links use grade-separated interchanges to switch sides safely between LHT (Hong Kong/Macau) and RHT (mainland China).

Oceania

A number of Pacific territories and associated states follow left-hand traffic, aligning with Australia and New Zealand.

• Cook Islands (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
• Niue (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
• Tokelau (New Zealand)
• Pitcairn Islands (UK)
• Christmas Island (Australia)
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)
• Norfolk Island (Australia)

These islands typically import right-hand-drive vehicles from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, simplifying compliance with LHT rules.

Americas and Atlantic

Many Caribbean and South Atlantic territories—primarily British—use left-hand traffic; one notable U.S. territory is an exception within the American system.

• Anguilla (UK)
• Bermuda (UK)
• British Virgin Islands (UK)
• Cayman Islands (UK)
• Montserrat (UK)
• Turks and Caicos Islands (UK)
• United States Virgin Islands (US)
• Falkland Islands (UK)
• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (UK)

The U.S. Virgin Islands stand out as a rare U.S.-administered territory driving on the left, despite most U.S. jurisdictions using right-hand traffic.

Notable updates and caveats

The landscape of driving sides is stable. These points help interpret the lists above and avoid common misconceptions.

• No recent switches: Since Samoa moved from right to left in 2009, no country has changed sides; proposals (for example, in Rwanda) have not been implemented as of 2025.
• Myanmar is right-hand traffic: Despite widespread right-hand-drive vehicles, Myanmar drives on the right.
• China variance: Mainland China is right-hand, but Hong Kong and Macau are left-hand.
• Vehicle configuration vs. traffic side: Some LHT places allow left-hand-drive imports (and vice versa), but the road rule—side of travel—remains as listed.

For travelers, always verify local regulations and signage, especially near borders or in territories with unique import patterns that affect vehicle layouts.

Summary

Left-hand traffic is used by a broad but well-defined set of countries and territories—prominently the UK and Ireland; much of Southern/Eastern Africa; South and Southeast Asia (including India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore); Australia and New Zealand with neighboring Pacific states; and most of the English-speaking Caribbean alongside Guyana and Suriname. The roster has been stable for more than a decade, and the regional clustering eases cross-border travel and trade within those areas.

Is the USA left-hand traffic?

Yes, most vehicles in the United States are left-hand drive because the U.S. drives on the right side of the road, a practice that became standard in Colonial America. The driver’s position on the left provides better visibility of oncoming traffic and makes it easier to safely pull out from parallel parking. An exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where drivers travel on the left, but cars still have their steering wheels on the left, which is a unique situation.
 
Why the U.S. uses left-hand drive cars:

• Right-hand travel: The U.S. adopted right-hand driving early on, with New York instituting the rule for public highways in 1804. 
• Visibility: Having the steering wheel on the left allows drivers to better see oncoming traffic that is coming from the left. 
• Historical factors: The tradition of right-hand driving may stem from large, bulky Conestoga wagons and a resistance to British customs, which favored left-hand traffic. 

Where it’s different:

• U.S. Virgin Islands: Opens in new tabThis U.S. territory drives on the left side of the road, though their vehicles still have the steering wheel on the left. 
• Specialized Vehicles: Opens in new tabA small number of specialized U.S. vehicles, such as mail delivery vehicles, may be built with right-hand drive to improve functionality for the driver. 

Where to see right-hand drive cars: 

• In countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, India, and Australia, which drive on the left side of the road.

Why is Japan left-hand traffic?

Japan drives on the left due to its history with samurai, who kept their swords on their left hip, necessitating left-side passage to avoid collisions. This tradition was reinforced when British companies helped build Japan’s first railways in the 1870s, adopting British left-hand track practice, a system eventually codified into law for all vehicles by 1924.
 
Historical Roots

• Samurai Culture: Opens in new tabIn feudal Japan, most samurai were right-handed and carried their swords on their left hip. Walking on the left allowed them to pass others without their scabbards clashing, which was a serious provocation. 
• Public Adoption: Opens in new tabThis custom of left-side passage became a norm in society, and people would get out of a samurai’s way to avoid conflict. 

Influence of Railways 

• British Technical Aid: Opens in new tabWhen Japan began modernizing in the late 19th century, British engineers were instrumental in constructing the nation’s first railway system.
• Left-Side Trains: Opens in new tabThese railways adopted the British practice of left-hand traffic for trains and, later, electric trolleys.

Formalization into Law 

• Codification: The tradition of left-side driving, rooted in samurai custom and reinforced by the railway system, was officially codified into national law in 1924.

In summary, Japan’s driving on the left is a direct result of pre-modern samurai customs and the early adoption of British railway practices, which were later formalized into nationwide traffic law.

How many countries have left-hand traffic?

There are 163 countries and territories that drive on the right and 76 that drive on the left.

Does Europe have left-hand traffic?

Today, four countries in Europe continue to use LHT, all island nations: the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland (formerly part of the UK), Cyprus and Malta (both former British colonies).