Right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars: what to choose and what to pay attention to?

The choice between a right-hand drive and a left-hand drive car is not just a matter of habit, but a complex of technical, legal and practical nuances. In Russia, where traffic is on the right, left hand drive cars considered standard, but right-hand drive (most often Japanese or British) continue to be in demand due to their affordable prices and unique models. However, such a choice is fraught with both advantages and serious pitfalls - from difficulties with overtaking to problems when passing technical inspection.

In this article we will look at real differences between right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars in terms of safety, comfort and legislation, and also give practical recommendations for purchasing, registration and operation. We will pay special attention to myths (for example, that “right-hand drive cars are prohibited in Russia”) and little-known facts, such as the influence of the steering wheel position on the cost of insurance or the features of parking in urban conditions.

What are right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars?

Terms "right-hand drive" and "left-hand drive" indicate the location of the steering wheel in the vehicle interior. B left-hand drive In cars (the most common in Russia), the steering wheel is on the left, and the driver sits closer to the center of the road. B right-hand drive — on the contrary: the steering wheel is on the right, the driver is closer to the side of the road. This arrangement has historically developed in countries with left-hand traffic (Japan, Great Britain, Australia) and right-hand traffic (USA, continental Europe, Russia).

Interestingly, some models are available in two versions at once. For example, Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Nissan Patrol can be found with both left and right hand drive - it depends on the market for which the car was intended. At the same time, structurally, cars may differ not only in the location of the steering wheel, but also in:

• 🔧 Pedals position (in right-hand drive cars the gas pedal is often narrower than in left-hand drive cars)
• 🔄 Location of control levers (for example, the gearshift lever may be longer or shorter)
• 🚗 Visibility (rear view mirrors and viewing angles are adapted to the direction of travel)
• 💡 Lighting (the headlights of right-hand drive cars are often “tailored” for left-hand traffic and can blind oncoming drivers in Russia)

It is important to understand that right hand drive cars are not "defective" or "inferior" - they are simply designed for different road conditions. However, their adaptation to Russian realities requires additional effort and costs.

Pros and cons of right-hand drive cars

The main advantage of right-hand drive cars is price. Due to the high supply on the secondary market (especially Japanese cars), they can be bought 20–40% cheaper than similar left-hand drive models. For example, Mitsubishi Pajero A 2015 right-hand drive car in good condition will cost 1.2–1.5 million rubles, while the left-hand drive version will cost 1.8–2.2 million. In addition, right-hand drive cars often:

• 🔹 Better staffed (Japanese versions come with options that are considered premium in Europe)
• 🔹 Have lower mileage (many are imported from Japan, where mileage is strictly controlled)
• 🔹 Easier to repair (spare parts for Japanese models are often cheaper than European ones)

However, there are no less disadvantages. Main - difficulty overtaking. The driver of a right-hand drive car sees the oncoming lane worse, which increases the risk of an accident. According to traffic police statistics, owners of such cars get into accidents when overtaking 1.7 times more often. Other disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Problems with technical inspection (some points may fail to diagnose due to non-standard arrangement of controls)
• ⚠️ Difficulties with parking (it is inconvenient for the driver to enter the roadway when parking at the side of the road)
• ⚠️ More expensive insurance (MTPL and CASCO for right-hand drive cars cost 10–30% more)
• ⚠️ Problems with selling (such cars are more difficult to sell on the secondary market)

Legal nuances: is it possible to drive a right-hand drive car in Russia?

Common myth: "Right-hand drive cars are prohibited in Russia". This is wrong. The legislation does not restrict the operation of right-hand drive vehicles, but imposes a number of conditions:

1. Registration with the traffic police. A right-hand drive car must be registered according to the same rules as a left-hand drive car. However, difficulties may arise during customs clearance if the car is not certified for the Russian market.
2. Compliance with technical regulations. The vehicle must pass a compliance check TR TS 018/2011 (on the safety of wheeled vehicles). Often it is necessary to replace or modify headlights, mirrors, and sometimes the steering.
3. Passing a technical inspection. Some stations may refuse diagnostics, citing a “non-standard layout”. In this case, you need to request a written refusal and contact another organization.

Particular attention should be paid insurance. Many companies refuse to insure right-hand drive cars under CASCO or set higher rates. Under compulsory motor liability insurance, problems usually do not arise, but the cost of the policy may be 15–25% higher. It is also worth considering that in the event of an accident, the fault of the driver of a right-hand drive car is often automatically recognized - due to the assumption of “limited visibility”.

What happens if you don’t convert the headlights on a right-hand drive car?

The light beam of the headlights of right-hand drive cars is “tailored” for left-hand traffic. In Russia, this leads to headlights blinding oncoming drivers and poorly illuminating the right side of the road. For this you can get a fine Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (500 rubles), and in case of repeated violation - deprivation of rights for 6–12 months. Re-equipment of headlights (replacement or adjustment) will cost 5–15 thousand rubles.

How to choose a right-hand drive car: buyer's checklist

If you decide to buy a right-hand drive car, follow this algorithm to avoid mistakes:

Research the car's history (check with autocode.ru or carfax.com)

Make sure the headlights are adjusted for right-hand traffic

Check the availability of Russian-language documentation (PTS, STS)

Assess the condition of the steering rack (in right-hand drive cars it wears out faster)

-->

Pay special attention checking documentation. Right-hand drive cars often have problems with:

• 📄 PTS (must be Russian model, not a foreign analogue)
• 📄 Customs declaration (if the car was imported illegally, it may be confiscated)
• 📄 Service book (Japanese books are often not accepted in Russian services)

Also worth checking body condition for corrosion. Many right-hand drive cars are imported from countries with a humid climate (Japan, UK), where rust is a common problem. Please note:

• 🔍 Thresholds and arches (the first places where rust appears)
• 🔍 Bottom (must be treated with anticorrosive agent)
• 🔍 Spars (damage to them can make the car unrepairable)

It wouldn't hurt to spend electronics diagnostics. Right-hand drive cars often have problems with:

• 🔌 On-board system (Japanese multimedia systems may not support Russian language)
• 🔌 Climate control (sensors can be adjusted to other climate conditions)
• 🔌 Security system (for example, parking sensors may be inconveniently located)

Comparison of right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars: table

Criterion	Right hand drive cars	Left-hand drive cars
Purchase cost	20–40% cheaper	More expensive, but easier to sell
Overtaking safety	Poorer view of the oncoming lane	Optimal visibility
Passing a technical inspection	There may be difficulties	No problem
Insurance cost	OSAGO and CASCO are 10–30% more expensive	Standard rates
Repair and spare parts	Cheaper for Japanese models	More expensive, but easier to find a specialist

From the table it is clear that right-hand drive cars are more profitable to buy, but more expensive to operate. They are suitable for those who are willing to put up with inconvenience for the sake of savings or a unique model. Left-hand drive cars are better for those who value comfort and safety.

How to adapt a right-hand drive car to Russian conditions?

To make the operation of a right-hand drive car more comfortable and safe, a number of modifications can be made:

1. Headlight adjustment. This is a mandatory procedure, since the standard light beam will blind oncoming drivers. Cost: 1,500–5,000 rubles.
2. Replacing rear view mirrors. On right-hand drive cars, the left mirror is often smaller than the right, which impairs visibility. You can install mirrors from the left-hand drive version. Cost: 3,000–10,000 rubles.
3. Installing parking sensors or rear view camera. This will help compensate for poor visibility when parking. Cost: 5,000–20,000 rubles.
4. Reflashing the on-board computer. Some Japanese cars have speed limits (for example, 180 km/h). They can be removed programmatically. Cost: 2,000–7,000 rubles.

Also worth considering installation of additional options, which will facilitate management:

• 🔹 Cruise control (will help reduce fatigue over long distances)
• 🔹 Lane Change Assistance System (compensates for worse review)
• 🔹 Heated steering wheel (relevant for the Russian climate)

Otherwise, problems may arise during inspection or an accident. For example, if you replaced the headlights, but did not make changes to the title, the car may be deregistered.

Myths and reality about right-hand drive cars

There are many myths surrounding right-hand drive cars. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “Right-hand drive cars are prohibited in Russia”

Reality: There is no official ban, but there are restrictions. The main thing is that the car complies with technical regulations and is properly cleared through customs. Problems arise only with cars imported illegally.

Myth 2: "Right-hand drive cars are less safe"

Reality: Accident statistics show that the risk of accidents when overtaking is higher, but overall safety depends on the driver. Many right-hand drive cars (for example, Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan GT-R) have the highest crash test ratings.

Myth 3: “Right-hand drive cars cannot be sold”

Reality: You can sell it, but the price will be lower than its left-hand drive counterpart. There is a demand, especially for rare or iconic models (for example, Mazda RX-7 or Subaru Impreza WRX STI).

Myth 4: “Right-hand drive cars are difficult to repair”

Reality: Difficulties arise only with rare models. Popular Japanese cars (eg. Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V) are repaired without problems, and spare parts are often cheaper than European ones.

Myth 5: “Right-hand drive cars cannot be insured”

Reality: You can insure, but OSAGO and CASCO insurance will be more expensive. Some companies (for example, Ingosstrakh or RESO) offer special programs for right-hand drive cars.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars

Is it possible to convert a right-hand drive car into a left-hand drive car?

Technically this is possible, but prohibited by law. Any changes in the design that affect safety must be agreed with the traffic police. In practice, the alteration will cost 150–300 thousand rubles (depending on the model), and it is almost impossible to legalize it. In addition, after such an alteration, the car will lose value, since it will be considered “altered.”

What right-hand drive cars are best to buy in Russia?

Optimal options:

• 🚗 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (reliable, easy to repair)
• 🚗 Nissan X-Trail T31 (compact, economical)
• 🚗 Mazda CX-5 (comfortable, with good sound insulation)
• 🚗 Subaru Forester (all-wheel drive, high cross-country ability)

Avoid rare models (eg. Mitsubishi Delica or Honda Stepwgn) - they will have problems with spare parts and maintenance.

Is it difficult to pass a license in a right-hand drive car?

No, driving schools teach you how to drive left-hand drive cars, but You can use any vehicle during the traffic police exam, corresponding to the category. The main thing is that the instructor allows you to practice in a right-hand drive car. However, it is not recommended to learn in such a car, since later it will be difficult to switch to left-hand drive.

How does the location of the steering wheel affect the cost of compulsory motor insurance?

The cost of MTPL for right-hand drive cars is calculated with an increasing factor Km = 1.5 (instead of standard Km = 1 for left-hand drive). This means that the policy will be 50% more expensive. For example, if OSAGO costs 5,000 rubles for a left-hand drive car, then 7,500 rubles for a right-hand drive car.

Is it possible to drive a right-hand drive car abroad?

Yes, but you need to take into account the rules of the country where you are traveling. In most European countries (Germany, France, Italy) right-hand drive cars allowed, but difficulties may arise with renting parking lots or gas stations (for example, card readers for payment are often located on the left). In some countries (for example, in Poland or the Czech Republic), right-hand drive cars can be stopped to check documents.