Yes, you can drive a right-hand drive car in the US, but it comes with real limitations

A right-hand drive vehicle — where the steering wheel is on the right side and the driver sits on the passenger side — is legal to own and operate in all 50 states. There is no federal law against it. However, the practical problems are significant enough that most people who import them end up regretting it. The steering wheel position creates visibility issues at intersections, toll booths, and drive-throughs. Insurance companies often charge more or decline coverage altogether. Resale value drops sharply because the US market has almost no demand for them.

If you already own one or are considering importing a vehicle from the UK, Japan, or another right-hand drive country, you need to understand what you are actually signing up for — not just the legal status, but the daily friction and the financial hit when you try to sell.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-hand drive cars are legal in all US states, but no federal safety standard requires the steering wheel to be on the left.
  • The biggest practical problem is visibility: you cannot see oncoming traffic clearly at intersections, and toll booth workers cannot see you.
  • Many insurance companies will not insure right-hand drive vehicles, and those that do often charge significantly higher premiums.
  • Resale value is extremely low because the US market has almost no buyers for right-hand drive cars outside of specialty collectors.
  • Importing a right-hand drive vehicle requires meeting federal safety standards and passing a state inspection, which varies by state.

Why the steering wheel position matters at intersections and toll booths

When you sit on the right side of the car, your line of sight at a four-way stop or left turn is blocked by the vehicle's frame. You have to lean forward or shift your position to see oncoming traffic clearly. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a genuine safety problem that compounds in heavy traffic or poor visibility.

At toll booths, the toll worker stands on the driver's side of the booth. In a right-hand drive car, you are sitting on the far side of the vehicle, making it harder for them to see you and harder for you to hand over payment or take a ticket. Many toll plazas now use electronic payment, which reduces this friction, but it is still an issue at older booths or in states that still rely on cash collection.

Drive-throughs present a similar problem. The order speaker and payment window are positioned for a left-hand drive car. You will be reaching across the vehicle or leaning out the window at awkward angles.

Insurance coverage and cost for right-hand drive vehicles

Insurance companies view right-hand drive cars as higher risk because of visibility issues and the smaller pool of repair shops that know how to work on them. Some major insurers straightforward will not write a policy for a right-hand drive vehicle. Others will insure one but charge a premium — sometimes 20 to 40 percent higher than a comparable left-hand drive car.

Before you buy or import a right-hand drive vehicle, call your insurance company and ask directly whether they will cover it and what the cost would be. Do not assume you can get coverage after the purchase. Some insurers will only cover right-hand drive cars if they are registered as classic or collector vehicles, which comes with its own restrictions on how often you can drive them.

If you are importing a vehicle, factor insurance into your total cost calculation. A car that seems affordable to buy can become very expensive to insure over time.

Importing a right-hand drive car and meeting US safety standards

The federal government does not prohibit right-hand drive vehicles, but any car imported into the US must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This applies whether the steering wheel is on the left or right. The vehicle must pass emissions testing and structural safety requirements.

If the car is more than 25 years old, it falls under the "Show or Display" exemption, which allows older vehicles to be imported with fewer restrictions. Anything newer than 25 years must meet current safety standards, which often requires modifications — airbag systems, bumper heights, lighting configurations, and emissions equipment all vary between countries.

After federal import, you must pass your state's vehicle inspection. Requirements vary by state. Some states inspect right-hand drive cars the same way they inspect any other vehicle. Others have specific rules or may refuse to register one. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before importing to confirm what is required.

Resale value and finding a buyer for a right-hand drive car

The US market has almost no demand for right-hand drive vehicles outside of specialty buyers — collectors of Japanese sports cars, enthusiasts of British vehicles, or people importing them for specific reasons. When you try to sell, you will be competing against a tiny pool of potential buyers and a much larger pool of left-hand drive alternatives.

Depreciation on a right-hand drive car is steep. A vehicle that might hold 50 to 60 percent of its value over five years as a left-hand drive car could drop to 30 to 40 percent as a right-hand drive. The longer you own it, the worse the resale picture becomes. If you are buying one expecting to recoup your investment later, plan for a significant loss.

Selling privately is difficult because most buyers will not consider a right-hand drive car. Trade-in value at a dealership is typically very low or zero — many dealers will not accept them. Your best option for resale is usually an online specialty market or an auction site focused on imported vehicles, but even then, expect to wait longer and accept a lower price.

When a right-hand drive car might make sense

Right-hand drive vehicles are practical in specific situations. If you are importing a classic or collectible car that you plan to keep long-term and drive occasionally, the visibility and resale issues matter less. If you are a car enthusiast who wants a specific model that was only made in right-hand drive (certain Japanese sports cars, for example), you may accept the trade-offs.

If you are considering a right-hand drive car primarily for cost savings or because you found a good deal, reconsider. The insurance premium, the difficulty selling it later, and the daily frustration of visibility problems will likely outweigh whatever you saved on the purchase price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to drive a right-hand drive car in the US?

No. Your regular driver's license is valid. There is no separate endorsement or restriction. The car itself must be registered and inspected according to your state's rules, but your license does not change.

Can I register a right-hand drive car with my state?

Most states will register a right-hand drive car if it passes inspection and meets safety standards. A few states have restrictions or require additional documentation. Contact your state's DMV before importing to confirm. If you are buying one already in the US, the seller should have registration paperwork showing it is legal in your state.

What if I import a right-hand drive car and cannot get insurance?

You cannot legally drive it without insurance in most states. If your regular insurer declines, contact specialty insurers that handle imported or classic vehicles. Some will cover right-hand drive cars, but premiums are higher. If you cannot find coverage, the car cannot be driven on public roads.

Is a right-hand drive car cheaper to buy than a left-hand drive version?

Sometimes, but not always. Imported right-hand drive cars can be cheaper upfront because fewer people want them. However, once you add insurance costs, potential modifications to meet safety standards, and the difficulty reselling, the total cost of ownership is usually higher than a comparable left-hand drive car.

Can I convert a right-hand drive car to left-hand drive?

Technically yes, but it is expensive and complicated. You would need to relocate the steering column, pedals, dashboard, and wiring — essentially rebuilding the interior. The cost often exceeds the value of the car. Most people do not pursue this option.