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Left-hand trafficWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Worldwide

67. Left-hand traffic

Left-hand traffic is a traffic system in which vehicles normally travel on the left side of the road. In countries using left-hand traffic, vehicles usually overtake on the right and most cars have the steering wheel on the right-hand side.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with left-hand traffic should pay particular attention at intersections, roundabouts, when turning and when entering or leaving roads, because familiar traffic movements are reversed compared with right-hand traffic.

Reminder to drive on the left in the United Kingdom. (Kent, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • NFH • CC0
What does left-hand traffic mean?

Left-hand traffic means that vehicles normally drive on the left side of a two-way road. Traffic approaching from the opposite direction therefore passes on the driver's right.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10–12; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 160–169; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 135–138; national guidance example

Which side is the steering wheel on in countries with left-hand traffic?

A right-hand-drive vehicle has its controls on the right and is intended for driving on the left side of the road. Wheel position is not an absolute rule: UK guidance also provides an approval process for imported left-hand-drive vehicles. Check the actual vehicle and local requirements.

🔗 dictionary.cambridge.org • Cambridge Dictionary, right-hand-drive vehicle definition

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, approval of imported left-hand-drive vehicles

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