Do people drive on the left or right side in Taiwan?
2 Answers
In Taiwan, the driver's seat is on the left side of the car, and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. In Asia, apart from Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, and Indonesia, most regions and countries follow the same regulations as mainland China, with the driver's seat on the left and driving on the right side of the road. Here is more related information: 1. Steering wheel direction: The side of the steering wheel is determined by the driving rules of different countries and regions. Right-hand drive is common in Commonwealth countries, where traffic rules dictate driving on the left side of the road with left turns having priority. This setup also ensures better visibility for the driver, who sits on the right side, to see oncoming traffic clearly. 2. Left-hand drive: Conversely, left-hand drive is the driving habit and rule in countries and regions like the Americas, where driving is on the right side, and the driver sits on the left for better visibility of oncoming traffic when passing. In China, where the traditional preference is for the right hand (more advantageous for gear shifting), left-hand drive vehicles are used.
I'm a long-term resident in Taiwan, and my driving habit is to drive on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left side of the seat. It's just like the driving style of Americans or Chinese, and it feels very natural. From the first time I learned to drive, my instructor emphasized keeping to the right, as it allows for better observation of the road ahead and pedestrians on the roadside. On highways, everyone stays in the right lane unless overtaking, when they move to the left, which reduces the chance of accidents. Of course, occasionally there are confused tourists, but Taiwan's road signs and navigation apps always remind you to keep right. Overall, this driving rule makes traffic more orderly, especially on busy roads in Taipei City, where driving on the right helps avoid chaos. Once you get used to it, it feels super convenient and safe. I drive to and from work every day and have never found it bothersome.
