Have you ever wondered why some countries drive on the left side of the road while others drive on the right? It might seem arbitrary, but this difference is rooted in history and tradition. If you’re planning a trip abroad and are curious about where you might need to adjust to left-hand traffic, or simply fascinated by this global variation, you’re in the right place. Over 70 countries and territories around the world still adhere to left-hand driving, a practice largely influenced by historical British customs. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this intriguing divergence and explore which countries keep left.
Global map highlighting countries that drive on the left side of the road in blue, contrasting with the orange-colored countries that drive on the right, illustrating worldwide driving side differences.
The Historical Roots of Left and Right-Hand Driving
The division in driving orientation dates back centuries, long before automobiles were even invented. The origins can be traced to medieval times, with practices evolving from horseback riding and carriage driving. Historically, particularly in the Middle Ages, it was common practice for horse riders and cart drivers to favor the left side of the path. This preference was largely due to right-handedness, which is dominant in the human population. Riding on the left allowed individuals to keep their right hand free – the hand most likely used for wielding a sword for defense or greeting oncoming travelers, a practical consideration in less peaceful times.
However, the shift towards right-hand driving in many parts of the world can be largely attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. Interestingly, Napoleon, despite popular belief about his handedness being the cause, was not definitively left-handed. Regardless, historical accounts suggest that Napoleon, for military and strategic reasons, standardized right-hand driving across France and territories under his influence. This decision spread across much of continental Europe.
Conversely, Britain remained steadfast in its left-hand driving tradition. As the British Empire expanded its reach, it propagated left-hand driving to its colonies. This historical legacy is why many countries that were once part of the British Empire, or influenced by British practices, continue to drive on the left side of the road today.
Why Did America Choose the Right Side?
While much of the world adopted right-hand driving influenced by Napoleon or retained left-hand driving due to British heritage, the United States forged its own path to right-hand traffic. Several factors contributed to this divergence.
Firstly, the development of large freight wagons pulled by teams of horses in America played a significant role. These wagons were often driven by a right-handed driver who would typically sit on the left rear horse. This position allowed them to use their dominant right hand to effectively control the team of horses, especially when using a whip. With the driver positioned on the left, it was more natural and safer for these large wagons to keep to the right side of the road, allowing the driver to better judge distances and avoid collisions.
Secondly, a sense of national identity and independence from British customs also played a part. After gaining independence, the newly formed United States was keen to differentiate itself from British practices. Adopting right-hand driving could be seen as a symbolic break from British norms. Furthermore, influential figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, who had spent considerable time in France, might have been proponents of right-hand driving, influenced by French practices.
Finally, the advent of mass automobile production, particularly Henry Ford’s assembly line in 1913, solidified right-hand driving in North America. Early American vehicles were designed for right-hand driving, and the efficiency of mass production made it impractical to consider changing this standard.
Countries and Territories Where Driving is on the Left
If you’re planning international travel and want to know where you’ll encounter left-hand driving, here’s a comprehensive list categorized by region:
Oceania
The majority of countries in Oceania maintain left-hand driving, a clear influence of their historical ties.
- Australia
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Norfolk Island
- Papua New Guinea
- Pitcairn Islands
- Solomon Islands
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
Asia
Asia presents a mix, but several key nations still drive on the left, reflecting varied colonial and historical influences.
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- East Timor (Timor-Leste)
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia (Historically left-hand, but now predominantly right-hand. Some older infrastructure may still reflect left-hand driving habits.)
- India
- Japan
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Africa
Southern and Eastern Africa largely drive on the left, a pattern stemming from British colonial history in these regions.
- Botswana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique (Shifted from left to right-hand drive, but some areas still retain left-hand practices)
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Europe
In Europe, left-hand driving is primarily confined to islands and countries with strong historical links to the UK.
- Akrotiri and Dhekelia (British Overseas Territories in Cyprus)
- Cyprus (Though Cyprus is in Europe, it is historically linked to the UK)
- Guernsey
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Malta
- United Kingdom
South America
Only two countries in South America still practice left-hand driving, remnants of different colonial influences.
- Guyana
- Suriname
Caribbean
Many Caribbean islands, reflecting British colonial history in the region, drive on the left.
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- US Virgin Islands (Interestingly, although a US territory, they drive on the left, a historical anomaly.)
Other Islands
Various other islands around the globe, due to their unique histories, also maintain left-hand driving.
- Bermuda
- Falkland Islands
- Maldives
- Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas Territory)
- Seychelles
- South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (British Overseas Territory)
Tips for Adapting to Left-Hand Driving
Driving on the left for the first time can feel unnatural, but most drivers adapt quickly. Here are some helpful tips to ease the transition:
- Follow the Traffic Flow: In most situations, especially in urban areas or on highways, simply follow the lead of the vehicles around you. This is the easiest way to stay in the correct lane and get accustomed to the flow of traffic.
- Exercise Extra Caution at Turns: Be particularly mindful when making turns, especially on less busy roads. It’s easy to instinctively revert to right-hand driving habits and turn into the wrong lane. Consciously focus on turning into the leftmost lane.
- Minimize Distractions: When initially adjusting to left-hand driving, it’s wise to minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations, using your phone, or engaging in deep conversations with passengers until you feel comfortable with the new driving orientation.
- Overtake on the Right: Remember that on multi-lane roads, you will overtake vehicles on the right-hand side, which is the opposite of right-hand driving countries. Stay in the left lane unless you are overtaking a slower vehicle.
- Look Right, Then Left, Then Right Again When Crossing or Entering Roads: This is crucial for pedestrian safety and when pulling out onto a road. Traffic will be approaching from the opposite direction than you are used to, so consciously reverse your looking pattern.
While driving on the left might initially seem daunting, with a bit of focus and these tips, you’ll find it becomes second nature in no time. Understanding the historical reasons and knowing which countries practice left-hand driving can make your international travels safer and more informed.
