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Which Side of the Road? Driving Side by Country, Crossing Streets and Renting a Car

Left or right? The driving side by country and region, which way to look first when crossing the street, and what changes when you rent a car.

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A highway stretching ahead beyond the dashboard, seen from the driver's seat. — Highway seen from the driver's seat · Photo: Arkady Lifshits overdriv3 / CC0

Published 2026-10-06

Why check the driving side first

Which side of the road traffic uses is not only a question for drivers. It decides which way cars come from when you cross the street on foot, and which side of the road you wait on for a bus. If your destination drives on the opposite side to home, many of your habits will point the wrong way.

The driving side for each country and region below is the value shown in the country information in this app. Details can change, so check official or local information again before you go.

For booking, insurance, deposits, pickup and return, see the separate rental checklist. This article covers only the driving side and what changes because of it.

Renting a car abroad for the first time: checklist →

Countries and regions that drive on the left

In the places below, traffic keeps to the left and the driver usually sits on the right. If you are used to right-hand traffic, take extra care here, both on foot and behind the wheel.

Japan — drives on the left
Hong Kong — drives on the left
Macao — drives on the left
Thailand — drives on the left
Singapore — drives on the left
Malaysia — drives on the left
Indonesia — drives on the left
India — drives on the left
Maldives — drives on the left
United Kingdom — drives on the left
Australia — drives on the left
New Zealand — drives on the left

Driving on the right: Asia and the Middle East

In Asia and the Middle East, the places below drive on the right. Even close neighbours can differ, so if you are combining several destinations, check each one separately.

South Korea — drives on the right
China — drives on the right
Taiwan — drives on the right
Mongolia — drives on the right
Vietnam — drives on the right
Philippines — drives on the right
Cambodia — drives on the right
Laos — drives on the right
Kazakhstan — drives on the right
Uzbekistan — drives on the right
Türkiye — drives on the right
United Arab Emirates — drives on the right

Driving on the right: Europe and the Americas

The European and American countries below drive on the right. The United Kingdom drives on the left, so if your trip combines it with the European mainland, remember that the side changes when you cross over.

France — drives on the right
Germany — drives on the right
Italy — drives on the right
Spain — drives on the right
Portugal — drives on the right
Netherlands — drives on the right
Switzerland — drives on the right
Austria — drives on the right
Czechia — drives on the right
Hungary — drives on the right
Poland — drives on the right
United States — drives on the right
Canada — drives on the right
Mexico — drives on the right

Crossing the street: traffic comes from the other way

Where traffic drives on the right, cars in the nearest lane come from your left when you cross. Where traffic drives on the left, they come from your right. The riskiest moment is stepping out after looking only the way your habits tell you to.

Look both ways before you cross, and check the nearest lane from the side that matches the local driving direction.
Once you pass the middle of the road, traffic comes from the other side, so turn your head again.
On one-way streets, cars may come only from the side you do not expect.
Turning cars also swing in from the opposite direction, so watch for them even when you cross on a green signal.
Bicycles and motorbikes usually keep to the same side as cars, so look out for them as well.

Buses and taxis change sides too

When traffic runs the other way, the bus stop for the direction you want is on the opposite side of the road from what feels natural. When you pick a stop on a map, check which way the bus is heading.

You normally get in and out of taxis and buses on the pavement side. Where traffic drives on the left, that is the left side of the vehicle; where it drives on the right, it is the right side. Opening a door on the traffic side can put you in the path of cars or motorbikes coming from behind.

A line of taxis waiting for passengers at an airport taxi rank at night. — Airport taxi rank (Hong Kong International Airport) · Photo: Nicolas1981 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Renting a car: prepare for driving on the other side

If you drive where traffic uses the opposite side to home, the driver's seat is often on the opposite side too. Lane position, which lane to enter at junctions and the direction of turns all feel reversed, which is more tiring than most people expect.

Booking, insurance, deposits and pickup and return checks are covered in the rental checklist. Check local traffic rules and licence requirements with official sources.

Before setting off, get used to the seating position and the width of the car in a quiet place such as a car park.
Take special care right after a turn, and when pulling out of a car park or fuel station, when it is easiest to drift into the wrong lane.
Empty, quiet roads are where old habits pull you to the wrong side most easily.
If you have a passenger, ask them to help you keep to the correct side.
Do not push yourself when tired or after dark; mixing in public transport or taxis until you feel at ease is a good option.

FAQ

If a country drives on the same side as home, do I need to worry?

Even on the same side, one-way streets, motorbikes and turning cars need care anywhere. Always look both ways when you cross.

Which side is the driver's seat in countries that drive on the left?

Usually on the right. In countries that drive on the right, it is usually on the left. Check your rental car before you set off.

How do I check a country that is not on this list?

Use official or local information. If you are visiting several countries in one trip, check each one separately.

What else should I check before booking a rental car?

Insurance, deposits, fuel policy and pickup checks are covered in the rental checklist article. Check licence requirements and local rules with official sources.