Right-Hand Drive Systems: Which Countries Use It?

Your car’s drive system may vary depending on where you live. Countries accustomed to driving on the right side of the road use left-hand drive systems, which means the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. On the other hand, right-hand drive systems, which are cars with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle, exist to accommodate driving needs of countries with people who drive on the left side of the road. However, there are certain circumstances that demand right-hand drive systems regardless of which side of the road your country drives on.

Why Are There Cars With a Steering Wheel on the Right Side?

Having the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle is convenient if everyone drives on the left side of the road. This placement of the steering wheel provides space for passengers to exit towards the curb. However, there are many cultural factors why right-hand driving systems are more prevalent in a certain country.

As far back as ancient Roman times, chariots were steered using the dominant right hand, while holding a whip with the other hand. Even then, people drove their vehicles on the left side of the road. However, Britain made it mandatory to use the right-hand driving system in the 1800s. Its occupied territories at the time followed suit and complied with this regulation. In modern times, these territories still use left-side traffic and right-hand driving systems because of their British influence.

Countries With Right-Hand Drive Cars:

In general, cars with right-hand driving systems are common in countries with left-side traffic. Here are some countries that may use right-hand drive cars:

The United States

The United States is a right-side traffic country where the left-hand driving system is typically used. However, right-hand driving system cars are becoming more available in the US over time. You’d be surprised by how many people actually prefer them over the usual left-hand drive cars. Some go as far as getting right-hand drive cars imported from abroad. This may be a great idea, but there are regulations applied to the process of importing right-hand drive cars. However, kits and attachments may be purchased in the US, so drivers can convert their cars to right-hand driving systems.

One of the most common perks of using a right-hand drive car in a right-side traffic country is how it makes parallel parking much easier than with a left-hand drive car. Some drivers have shared that it’s easier to spot the curb from the right side of the car, making it preferable if you aren’t that skilled at parallel parking. However, using right-hand drive cars in a right-side traffic country may also have some downsides. They make drive-throughs more complicated and you’ll need to get used to shifting with your left hand. Nevertheless, owning and using a right-hand drive car can also be a great conversation starter because of its uniqueness. Many may ask you why the steering wheel of your car is on the wrong side.

Are Right-Hand Drive Cars Legal In the US?

Even if it’s not the standard vehicle type in US traffic, right-hand drive cars or vehicles are definitely legal in the US. The postal service is one of the best examples of right-hand vehicle users. Their vehicles must use right-hand driving systems to efficiently deliver mail. These vehicles may also be sold once they’re retired from service. However, road safety is still of utmost importance. Right-hand drive cars, like left-hand drive vehicles, must comply with road safety regulations and proper vehicle registration.

Oceanian Countries

Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji are places that use right-hand driving systems because of their British influence. They’re all known for their driving culture, which is similar to that of the United Kingdom. They basically use right-hand drive cars on left-side traffic.

Asia, Africa, and Europe

India, Malta, Japan, Cyprus and South Africa also are right-hand drive countries with left-lane traffic requirements. Most of them have a history of being under Britain’s control, which may explain why they’ve become accustomed to the same drive and traffic system. However, Japan was never under British rule. Instead, Britain helped them to develop their railway infrastructure, which may have affected how their vehicles were made and developed.

British Overseas Territories

British Overseas Territories (BOTs), such as the Island Nations of The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman and The Falklands, got their right-hand drive cars and left-side traffic systems from England. They have historical links to the United Kingdom, which is why they’ve adopted this road custom as their own.

What Other Countries Have Right-Hand Drive Cars?

Right-hand drive cars are usually used in left-side traffic countries. Here is a full list of countries where it’s customary to drive on the left side of the road:

By looking at this list, you’ll see that around a third of the world uses right-hand driving systems and left-side traffic.

However, some countries that drive on the right side of the road may become more open to right-hand drive cars similar to what’s happening in the US, where some people are switching to right-hand drive cars. Over time, your drive system may be based solely on personal preference, as right-hand drive systems become more accessible, whether through buying imported cars or installing conversion kits that can transform your car’s existing driving system.