List of countries with left-hand traffic in: 58 countries where people drive on the left

Are you planning a trip abroad and want to know Which countries drive on the left?? This is critical information for drivers - a mistake in choosing the side of the road can lead to an accident or a fine. In 2026, left-hand traffic remains in 58 countries, including popular tourist destinations like Japan, Australia and Thailand. Moreover, some states (for example, Samoa or the Cook Islands) switched from one system to another just a few decades ago.

In this article you will find not only a complete list of countries with left-hand traffic, but also practical advice: how to adapt to the left side of the road, what nuances of car rental to take into account, and why in some countries (like China) left-hand traffic is maintained only in certain territories. We will also look at the historical reasons for this division and tell you which countries may abandon the left side in the coming years.

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

The tradition of driving on the left side of the road dates back to medieval Europe. Knights holding a sword in their right hand preferred to move to the left in order to be able to quickly defend themselves against oncoming travelers. This habit took hold in Great Britain, and then spread to its colonies - Australia, India, South Africa and others. At the same time Napoleon introduced right-hand traffic in France and the conquered territories, which was later adopted by the United States and most European countries.

I wonder what Sweden switched to right-hand traffic only in 1967 - this day even received the name "Dagen H" ("Day H"). But Japan never changed the system, despite US pressure after World War II. Today, driving on the left is often associated with former British colonies, but there are exceptions - e.g. Thailand or Indonesiathat were not part of the British Empire.

Yes, in several countries|Yes, only in one country|No, but I plan to|No and I don’t plan-->

Full list of countries driving on the left in 2026

Today, left-hand traffic officially operates in 58 countries and territories. Below is the current list, broken down by region. Please note: some states (eg Hong Kong or Macau) are special administrative regions of China, but retain British traditions of movement.

• 🇬🇧 Europe: Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus
• 🇦🇺 Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands
• 🇯🇵 Asia: Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives
• 🇿🇦 Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique
• 🇯🇲 Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago
• 🇬🇺 Other territories: Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), East Timor, Brunei, Surnam (South America)

Features of left-hand traffic: 5 key differences

Moving to the left side of the road is more than just changing lanes. Here five critical pointsthat tourists often miss:

1. Steering wheel position: In most countries where driving is on the left, the steering wheel is located right. This means that the gear lever is under your left hand, and the view of the road when overtaking is different.
2. Roundabouts: Traffic is moving along the "ring" clockwise (as opposed to counterclockwise in right-handed countries). This requires changing lanes to the left when entering the roundabout.
3. Pedestrian crossings: Look first right, and not to the left - transport comes from there. This is especially important for children.
4. Overtaking: Done right, not on the left. In some countries (for example, India) overtaking in the oncoming lane is a common occurrence, despite the official rules.
5. Lighting devices: Car headlights often have an asymmetrical beam of light. In countries where you drive on the left (e.g. Japan) special stickers are sold for headlights so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers.

⚠️ Attention: B China Left-hand traffic is allowed only in Hong Kong and Macau. In the main territory of the country there is right-hand traffic. Crossing the border between these regions by car requires special caution!

Countries that have recently switched sides (and why)

Over the past 50 years, several countries have switched from driving on the left to driving on the right (or vice versa). Here are the most notable cases:

Country/territory	Year of change	Transition direction	Reason
Sweden	1967	Left → Right	Economic integration with Europe
Iceland	1968	Left → Right	Simplifying logistics with the USA and Europe
Samoa	2009	Right → Left	Import of used cars from Australia/New Zealand
East Timor	1976	Right → Left	Influence of Indonesia (former mother country)
Okinawa (Japan)	1978	Right → Left	Return to Japanese jurisdiction after US occupation

Interesting fact: Cook Islands in the 1990s, they considered switching to right-hand drive traffic, but abandoned the idea due to the high costs of replacing the infrastructure. But Ghana in 1974, it held a referendum on changing sides of the movement - 55% of the population voted to maintain the left side.

Which countries could be next to switch sides?

There is now active discussion about a possible transition to right-hand traffic in Kenya and Uganda - this is due to integration into the East African Community, where right-hand traffic dominates (for example, Rwanda and Burundi have already crossed over). B Nepal This issue is also periodically raised due to the close proximity to China (on the right). However, the implementation of such plans requires decades of preparation and billions of dollars in investment in road infrastructure.

How to adapt to the left side of the road: 7 practical tips

If this is your first time in a country where you drive on the left, follow this checklist for safe driving:

Put a “Keep Left!” sticker on your dashboard|Practice in a simulator or an empty parking lot|Adjust your GPS to local traffic rules|Check the position of the levers (windshield wipers/turn signals are often mixed up)|Use an automatic transmission if you are unsure about a manual transmission|Slow down your speed at first|Avoid driving at night for the first few days-->

One of the most difficult moments - changing lanes at a roundabout. In left-handed countries you must:

1. Drive up to the circle from the right lane (as opposed to left in right-handed countries).
2. Give way to cars already moving in circles (in some countries, e.g. Australia, this rule is strictly controlled by cameras).
3. Use for congress left lane inside the circle (in right-hand drive countries, exit from the right lane).

⚠️ Attention: B Japan and Singapore Improper use of lanes on roundabouts will result in on-the-spot fines. Tourists are often given a discount for the first violation, but a repeated offense can result in deprivation of rights for up to 30 days!

The nuances of renting a car in countries with the left side

Renting a car in countries with left-hand traffic has its pitfalls. Here's what to check before signing the contract:

• 🔧 Insurance: Make sure your policy covers accidents on the left side. In some countries (for example, Thailand) standard insurance does not apply if the driver does not have a local license.
• 🚗 Vehicle type: Popular in Japan and Australia keicar (compact cars with engines up to 660 cm³), which may be unfamiliar to Europeans. Find out how to operate the gearbox (in India There are often cars with a “handle under the steering wheel”).
• 📄 International rights: B Singapore and Malaysia required IDP (International Driving Permit) 1949, not 1968. Check which document is needed.
• 💳 Bail: B New Zealand and South Africa The rental deposit can reach 5,000 USD - this is due to the high risk of accidents among tourists.

Pay special attention parking rules. In countries with left side:

• Parking parallel to the sidewalk carried out back to traffic (unlike right-leaning countries).
• B Australia and New Zealand the rule applies "park facing the left" — the car must be parked facing the left side of the road.
• B Japan Many parking lots are automatic - the driver leaves the car on the platform, and the system itself puts it in place. Do not attempt to park yourself if you are not familiar with the system!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about driving on the left

Is it possible to drive on the left side in a country with right-hand traffic (for example, in Russia)?

No, this is strictly prohibited. In Russia, left-hand traffic is allowed only in one case - on tram tracks (if they are located to the left of the roadway). There is a fine for driving on the left side of the road outside of special cases. 5000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 4-6 months (Art. 12.15 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). The exception is when driving around an obstacle, but even in this case you must give way to oncoming traffic.

Which countries are planning to stop driving on the left in the coming years?

At the moment there are no official announcements about an imminent transition. However Kenya and Uganda are considering this possibility as part of integration into the East African Community. B Nepal the issue is also raised periodically, but implementation will require at least 10 years. The last country to change sides was Samoa in 2009 - the transition cost 5.5 million USD and caused mass protests.

Do I need to convert my car to travel to a country that drives on the left?

No, conversion is not required if you are visiting the country temporarily (for example, as a tourist). However:

• B Japan and Australia recommended to use headlight stickersso as not to blind oncoming drivers.
• B India and Thailand The police can stop a car with a non-original steering wheel (on the left) to check documents.
• If you are taking a car for permanent residence, you will need steering replacement and re-registration according to local standards.

What are the fines for violating the direction of traffic in popular tourist countries?

The fines vary:

• Australia: 200-500 AUD (≈10,000-25,000 RUB) + 3 penalty points.
• Japan: 20,000 JPY (≈10,000 RUB) and mandatory retraining course.
• Thailand: 1000 THB (≈2,000 RUB), but in practice police often ask for a “tip” of 500-800 THB.
• South Africa: 1500 ZAR (≈6,000 RUB) + possible withdrawal of rights for 6 months.

B Singapore for repeated violation may confiscate the car for 3 months.

How can cyclists adjust to the left side of the road?

Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists:

• Move on left side of the road (oncoming traffic).
• At roundabouts, give way to those already driving in the circle.
• B Australia and New Zealand must use bicycle helmet (fine up to 300 AUD).
• B Japan bicycles often travel along sidewalk (allowed if there is no bike path), but at a speed of no more than 10 km/h.

Please note: in Thailand and Indonesia cyclists often ignore traffic rules - don’t copy their behavior!