Can Right-Hand Drive Cars Be Driven in China?
3 Answers
Right-hand drive cars are not allowed to be driven in China. Here are the specific explanations regarding the left-hand and right-hand traffic policies: 1. Right-hand Traffic Policy: Vehicles with the steering wheel on the right cannot legally operate on the road because China implements a right-hand traffic policy. Having the steering wheel on the left helps drivers better observe oncoming traffic, thereby reducing safety hazards. 2. Left-hand Traffic Policy: In regions like Hong Kong, China, or Japan, cars typically have the steering wheel on the right because these areas implement a left-hand traffic policy. Traffic rules vary depending on the region.
A friend of mine brought back a right-hand drive car from Australia and was eager to drive it in China, only to be stopped and lectured by traffic police. In China, all roads follow right-hand traffic rules, and the law requires vehicles to be left-hand drive for registration and road use. Driving a right-hand drive car means sitting on the left side, which severely limits visibility—for example, making it hard to see oncoming traffic when overtaking or potentially hitting pedestrians when turning. This design is unsuitable for Chinese road conditions and can easily cause accidents. If caught driving such a car, you could face fines or even have your vehicle impounded. I strongly advise against trying it—safety first! It’s much safer to buy a standard left-hand drive car.
As a car enthusiast who loves modifications, I've researched whether right-hand drive cars can be driven in China. The answer is absolutely not, because they are designed for left-hand traffic countries. In China's right-hand traffic environment, the left-side visibility is severely obstructed. For example, when overtaking on highways or making left turns in urban areas, sitting on the left while needing to observe right-side traffic conditions can easily lead to mistakes and collisions. Such vehicles are explicitly prohibited by law from being registered and driven on roads, and police enforcement is strict. I once saw right-hand drive imported cars displayed at an auto show, but they couldn't be licensed and were only for display. Remember, driving such cars carries huge risks - insurance won't cover accidents, so why gamble with your own and others' safety?
