Most of the world drives on the right

About 165 countries drive on the right side of the road. This includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and India. If you're used to driving on the right at home, you can drive on the right in the vast majority of places you'll visit.

The split between right-hand and left-hand traffic happened largely for historical reasons. Countries that were British colonies or territories often kept left-hand driving after independence. Most other nations, including former French and Spanish colonies, adopted right-hand driving. The United States drives on the right, which influenced Canada and Mexico to do the same.

Knowing which side a country uses matters before you rent a car or plan to drive there. It affects which side of the car the steering wheel is on, where you sit relative to oncoming traffic, and which direction you merge and turn. Even if you're an experienced driver, the muscle memory of a lifetime works against you on the opposite side.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-hand traffic is used in roughly 165 countries, including all of North America, most of Europe, and most of Asia.
  • The steering wheel is on the left side of the car in right-hand traffic countries, putting you closer to the center line than the curb.
  • Former British territories and current Commonwealth nations are the main exceptions—they drive on the left instead.
  • If you're renting a car abroad, confirm the country's traffic direction before you book, because driving on the wrong side is illegal and dangerous.

Europe: almost entirely right-hand traffic

Nearly all European countries drive on the right. This includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Greece, and the Czech Republic. The only European exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, which drive on the left.

If you're planning a road trip across Europe, you can rent a car in one country and drive it through multiple right-hand countries without worrying about switching sides. The steering wheel stays on the left, and the traffic patterns remain consistent. Road signs and markings follow similar conventions across the European Union, though specific rules about speed limits and parking vary by country.

Asia: mixed, but most drive on the right

Most Asian countries drive on the right, including China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan. India also drives on the right, despite being a former British colony. This means if you're renting a car in Tokyo, Bangkok, or New Delhi, the steering wheel will be on the left side of the vehicle.

The major left-hand exceptions in Asia are Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and India's neighboring country Sri Lanka. These are mostly former British territories. If you're traveling through multiple Asian countries, check each one individually—the region doesn't follow a single pattern the way Europe mostly does.

The Americas: right-hand driving throughout

Every country in North and South America drives on the right. This includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, all of Central America, and every South American nation from Colombia to Argentina. If you're renting a car anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, you'll find the steering wheel on the left side and traffic flowing on the right.

This consistency makes road trips across the Americas straightforward from a traffic-direction standpoint. You won't need to relearn which side of the road to use or adjust to a steering wheel on the opposite side of the car. The main variables are speed limits, road conditions, and local driving customs—not the fundamental direction of traffic.

Africa and the Middle East: mostly right-hand

Most African countries drive on the right, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The Middle East is almost entirely right-hand traffic, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.

The main African exceptions are former British colonies: South Africa (which switched to the left), Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Mozambique and Angola, former Portuguese colonies, drive on the left as well. If you're renting a car in Africa, confirm the specific country's traffic direction before you book.

How to verify before you travel

The safest approach is to check your destination country's traffic direction before you book a rental car. Search "[country name] drives on which side" or look at the country's official tourism website or transportation ministry page. Many rental car companies also list this information on their website when you select a country.

If you arrive and realize you're uncomfortable driving on an unfamiliar side, you have options. You can hire a driver through a ride-sharing app, use taxis, or book a guided tour that includes transportation. Many travelers choose not to drive at all in countries where they'd be on the opposite side—it's a valid choice, especially if you're only visiting for a few days.

If you do decide to drive, give yourself extra time to adjust. Your instincts will pull you toward the side you're used to, especially in stressful moments like merging or turning. Driving slowly on quiet roads first helps build new muscle memory before you tackle busy traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in a right-hand country if I'm from a left-hand country?

Yes, but you'll need an International Driving Permit along with your home license, and you'll need to rent a car with the steering wheel on the right side (which is standard in right-hand countries). The adjustment takes time—most people need a few hours of quiet driving before they're comfortable in traffic.

What happens if I accidentally drive on the wrong side?

You'll face fines, possible arrest, and a serious accident risk. Driving on the wrong side is illegal everywhere and puts you and others in when ready danger. If you realize you've made a mistake, pull over safely and reorient yourself before continuing.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive on the right?

Requirements vary by country. Many right-hand countries accept a valid home license, but some require an International Driving Permit. Check your specific destination's requirements before you travel—your rental car company can tell you what's needed.

Is it harder to drive on the right if I'm used to the left?

Yes, it takes conscious effort to override years of muscle memory. The first hour or two feels awkward—you'll reach for the gear shift with your left hand, misjudge distances to the curb, and second-guess turns. Most people adjust within a few hours of focused driving on quiet roads.

What if my rental car has the steering wheel on the wrong side?

Contact the rental company when ready and request a different vehicle. A car with the steering wheel on the right side in a right-hand country is a serious safety problem and the company should swap it without argument. Do not attempt to drive it.