Are you planning a trip to Japan, Australia or South Africa and are encountering the concept for the first time? left-hand traffic? Or are you just wondering why in some countries they drive differently than everyone else? This article will help you understand all the nuances: from historical reasons to practical tips for drivers.

Today left-hand traffic saved in 65 countries and territories - This is approximately 30% of the world's roads. Moreover, among them there are small island states (for example, Fiji or Maldives), and economic giants like Japan or India. Switching to the “right side” would be a logistical nightmare for many of them, which is why the tradition has been preserved for centuries.

But why exactly left side? How not to get confused while driving in such a country? And what pitfalls await tourists? The answers are below.

Why do some countries drive on the left side of the road: historical roots

The reason for driving on the left is rooted in Middle Ages. Back then, most people were right-handed, so driving on the left allowed you to:

  • 🛡️ Defend against attacks — the right hand with the weapon was closer to the enemy.
  • 🐴 Control a horse - the reins were usually held with the left hand, and the whip or sword with the right.
  • 🏰 Observe etiquette - in feudal Europe people drove on the left side so as not to touch passers-by with their right (“dirty”) hand.

First legislated left-hand traffic Pope Boniface VIII in 1300 - for pilgrims traveling to Rome. But Britain officially approved the rule in 1773 (law Highway Act), after which it spread to all its colonies - from Australia up to India.

I wonder what France before the revolution 1789 also drove on the left, but Napoleon changed the side to the right - supposedly for the convenience of his army (most of the soldiers were right-handed). This tradition later spread to occupied countries, including Germany and Italy.

📊 How do you feel about driving on the left?
I'm used to it - I travel so often
Strange, but you can adapt
Categorically inconvenient
Never tried it

List of countries with left-hand traffic in 2026

To date left-hand traffic operates in 65 countries and territories, including dependent islands. Below is the full list, broken down by region:

Region Countries and territories Notes
Europe UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus On Gibraltar (British territory) also left side
Asia Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (partially), Hong Kong, Macau B China the left side was up 1946
Africa South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar Many countries switched to the right after gaining independence
Oceania Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, Cook Islands On Guam (USA) - right side, although geographically close to Australia
South America Guyana, Suriname The only countries on the continent with the left side

Important: In some countries, driving on the left only applies to part of the territory. For example, in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra - the left side, and in Java - the right.

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Before traveling, check the website of your embassy or local transport department for the latest regulations - some countries (e.g. Timor-Leste) recently changed direction.

How to adapt to left-hand traffic: tips for drivers

If you are driving for the first time in a country with left side, follow these rules:

☑️ Checklist for a driver in a country with left-hand traffic

Done: 0 / 4

The most common mistake tourists make is automatic steering wheel turn in the usual direction when leaving a parking lot or intersection. To avoid this:

  • 🚗 Apply a sticker on the dashboard: "Keep Left!» (Keep left!).
  • 🔄 Exercise in empty parking lots before leaving for the city.
  • 📱 Use your navigator with voice prompts (for example, Google Maps or Waze).

Pay special attention roundabouts - in countries with the left side, traffic flows along them counterclockwise, and the one who is already on the circle has priority (unlike many European countries where priority is given to those entering).

⚠️ Attention: B Japan and Australia speed limits are strictly controlled. Exceeding even by 10 km/h may result in a fine $200+.

Countries that have recently switched sides

Some countries moved from left to right side (or vice versa) in recent decades. Here are the most famous cases:

  • 🇸🇪 Sweden (1967) - switched from left to right (“Day X"). This became a major logistics operation: all buses and trams were converted, and special patrols were stationed on the roads.
  • 🇮🇸 Iceland (1968) — followed Sweden in making it easier to import cars.
  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan (1947) - after partition with India, retained the left side, although neighboring Afghanistan and Iran drive on the right.
  • 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste (1976) - switched to the right side after the occupation by Indonesia, but in 2026 considers the reverse transition.

The last country to change sides was Samoa - in 2009 they switched from right to left to make it easier to import used cars from Australia and New Zealand.

Why did Sweden change sides in 1967?

The main reason is the economy. Most of Sweden's neighbors (Norway, Denmark, Germany) drove on the right, making trade and tourism difficult. The transition cost the country $120 million (at the exchange rate of that time), but after 5 years the number of accidents decreased by 17%.

Cars for left-hand traffic: what you need to know

If you are planning buy or rent a car in a country with a left side, consider the following nuances:

  1. Steering wheel on the right - in most countries with left-hand drive, cars are right-hand drive (RHD, Right-Hand Drive). This means that:
    • 🔧 Gear shift lever is on the left.
    • 🔦 Headlights aligned to the left side of the road (does not blind oncoming traffic).
    • 🚪 Doors open onto the sidewalk, not the roadway.
  • Car import - to some countries (for example, Japan) import prohibited left-handed cars (LHD).
  • Rent - in tourist countries (for example, Thailand or Bali) they often rent out cars with automatic transmissionto make adaptation easier.

    • If you are transporting your car with left hand drive (LHD) to a country with the left side, problems may arise:

    • 🚨 Fines - in Japan and Australia This can result in a fine of up to $1 000.
    • 🛑 Visibility issues — overtaking or turning left will be more difficult.
    • 🔧 Technical limitations — some parking lots and car washes are not designed for LHD-cars.
    ⚠️ Attention: B Singapore and Malaysia There are strict rules for car imports. If your machine does not meet local standards (RHD), it may not be allowed through customs.

    Left-hand traffic and pedestrians: safety rules

    Even if you are not a driver, in a country with left side You need to remember the rules for pedestrians:

    • 🚶 Crossing the road - always look right (transport goes from there!). B Australia There’s even a slogan: “Look Right, Then Left, Then Right Again"(Look right, then left, then right again.")
    • 🚦 Traffic lights — buttons for pedestrians are usually located to the right of the road.
    • 🚌 Public transport stops — buses and trams stop from left side roads.
    • 🚧 Escalators - in Japan and Hong Kong It is customary to stand on the left and overtake on the right (the opposite of Europe).

    Particularly dangerous getting used to "automation". For example, in London every year tourists die who reflexively look to the left when exiting the metro (although transport goes on the right). To avoid this:

    • 📌 Stick a reminder to the phone: "Right first!».
    • 👟 Wear bright clothes — drivers will notice you better.
    • 👮 Follow the locals - if you see that everyone is looking in the same direction, do as they do.
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    In countries with left-hand traffic, pedestrians must first look to the right - that's where traffic comes from!

    The future of driving on the left: will there be changes?

    Despite globalization, it is unlikely that countries with left side will massively switch to the right. Here's why:

    • 💰 Economic costs - Sweden's transition to 1967 cost about 4% Country's GDP.
    • 🚗 Vehicle fleet - in Japan and Australia millions RHD-cars that will have to be written off or rebuilt.
    • 🛣️ Infrastructure — interchanges, bridges and tunnels are built on the left side.
    • 🧠 Psychology — people get used to the rules from childhood, and a sudden change will lead to an increase in road accidents.

    However, some countries are discussing the transition:

    • 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste — is considering a return to the left side (it was before the Indonesian occupation).
    • 🇰🇪 Kenya — The government periodically raises the issue, but so far to no avail.
    • 🇳🇵 Nepal - due to increased imports LHD-cars from India and China discusses unification.

    Experts agree that in the coming 20–30 years there will be no fundamental changes. Driving on the left remains part of the cultural identity of many countries, especially former British colonies.

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    A complete transition to right-hand traffic is unlikely - it is too expensive and dangerous. However, individual countries may change sides in the future.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about driving on the left

    ❓ Is it possible to drive with a left-hand drive (LHD) in a country with left-hand traffic?

    Technically it's possible, but it's illegal or dangerous in most countries. For example:

    • B Japan and Australia fine for this $1 000.
    • B Thailand and India The police may turn a blind eye, but insurance will not cover the accident.
    • B South Africa and Kenya LHD-cars are officially prohibited from import.

    The exception is some island countries (for example, Bali), where they rent to tourists LHD-cars for rent, but this is a semi-legal practice.

    ❓ Which countries changed sides of the movement in the 21st century?

    The last mass transition occurred in 2009when Samoa and Tonga moved from the right to the left side. Reasons:

    • Simplifying the import of used cars from Australia and New Zealand.
    • Reducing the cost of the vehicle fleet (right-hand drive cars are cheaper).

    B 2026 no changes planned, but Timor-Leste considers the reverse transition.

    ❓ Is it difficult to get used to driving on the left?

    According to the experience of drivers, adaptation takes from 3 days up to 2 weeks. The most difficult moments:

    • Leaving the parking lot (you reflexively turn the steering wheel in the wrong direction).
    • Roundabouts (counter-clockwise direction).
    • Overtaking (you need to go into oncoming traffic, which is psychologically unusual).

    Advice: during the first few days, ride with an experienced local driver or use a taxi to observe your driving style.

    ❓ Why does Japan drive on the left side of the road if it is not a British colony?

    Japan was never a British colony, but driving on the left appeared there back in XVIII century for two reasons:

    1. Samurai tradition - they carried the sword on the left, so riding on the left side made it possible to quickly draw the weapon.
    2. British influence - in 1859 the left side was enshrined in law after a visit by British diplomats.

    It's interesting that in Okinawa (which was under US administration after World War II) until 1978 Right-hand traffic was in effect!

    ❓ Is it possible to rent a car with an automatic transmission in countries with left-hand drive?

    Yes, in most tourist countries (Thailand, Australia, South Africa) there are cars for rent with Automatic transmission. This makes adaptation easier since you don't have to be distracted by changing gears with your left hand. Average rental cost:

    • Economical hatchback — $30–50/day.
    • SUV — $70–120/day.
    • Minivan — $100–150/day.

    Tip: Book in advance - during high season (e.g. Bali in December) cars with Automatic transmission sells out quickly.