Can right-hand drive vehicles be driven in China?
2 Answers
Generally, right-hand drive vehicles cannot be driven in China. In our country, motor vehicles drive on the right side of the road, while right-hand drive vehicles are designed for left-side driving. When drivers accustomed to right-hand drive vehicles revert to their original driving habits during operation, it significantly increases the probability of traffic accidents. The following are exceptions: Foreign diplomatic missions in China: Right-hand drive vehicles of these institutions can be legally registered and driven domestically. Right-hand drive vehicles with Guangdong-Hong Kong or Guangdong-Macau license plates: These vehicles can be driven in China if they legally obtain the black license plates for Guangdong-Hong Kong or Guangdong-Macau passage.
I remember a friend of mine once bought a right-hand drive car from Japan and excitedly took it out on the road, only to be pulled over and fined by traffic police shortly after. This is because Chinese traffic laws explicitly prohibit driving right-hand drive vehicles on public roads, as our roads follow right-hand traffic rules, and the steering wheel on the left makes it easier to observe and control. The law states that all vehicles must meet left-hand drive standards during registration; otherwise, they won’t even pass licensing, let alone be driven daily. From a safety perspective, driving a right-hand drive car can limit visibility, especially when overtaking, as it’s harder to see oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. If someone really loves right-hand drive cars, the only option is to have them converted to left-hand drive at a certified modification shop. However, this process is troublesome and costs several thousand yuan, and some cars may suffer performance issues after conversion. My advice to domestic car owners is not to cut corners—following the rules avoids fines and ensures safety. Safety should always come before novelty.
