Are vehicles in Macau left-hand drive or right-hand drive?
2 Answers
Macau, like Hong Kong, primarily uses right-hand drive vehicles, although left-hand drive vehicles also exist. However, the number of left-hand drive vehicles is significantly smaller compared to right-hand drive ones, mainly because Macau follows left-hand traffic rules, making right-hand drive vehicles more practical. The prevalence of right-hand drive vehicles in Macau can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Historical reasons. Influenced by Europe, China drove on the left before 1945. It wasn't until World War II, when the U.S. provided China with a large number of American-made left-hand drive vehicles as aid, and right-hand traffic gradually became the global standard, that mainland China switched to right-hand traffic. 2. Economic reasons. Hong Kong is a free trade port, and historically, almost all vehicles in Hong Kong were right-hand drive. To facilitate vehicle imports from Hong Kong, Macau maintained the left-hand traffic tradition. Although the vast majority of vehicles are right-hand drive, the Macau government actually permits the registration of left-hand drive vehicles. Today, in addition to right-hand drive vehicles, left-hand drive vehicles can also be seen in Macau.
While driving in Macau during my trip, I noticed all vehicles are left-hand drive, with the steering wheel on the left, just like driving in mainland China. Macau follows right-hand traffic, meaning you drive on the right side of the road, which felt safe and familiar since I'm used to this setup. However, some streets in Macau, especially in the old town area, are quite narrow, requiring extra caution when parking. Unlike Hong Kong, where they drive on the left side with right-hand drive vehicles, I once nearly confused the directions when crossing the bridge to Hong Kong. Driving in Macau was smooth because the local infrastructure matches left-hand drive vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents. If you plan a self-driving tour in Macau, remember to familiarize yourself with traffic signs in advance and stay attentive.
