Does Hong Kong Drive on the Left or Right?

[Daisy]

Hong Kong drives on the left. Here is some additional information: 1. Result of Long-term Evolution: Driving on the right or left was not fixed from the beginning but rather the result of long-term evolution. According to the British, driving on the left can be traced back to the Roman Empire. In medieval Europe, whether to drive on the left or right was initially based on the habits of knights. 2. Historical Reasons: Due to historical reasons, Hong Kong follows left-hand traffic rules, while mainland China follows right-hand traffic. Therefore, when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, the 'one country, two systems' approach was adopted for road traffic issues. Mainland vehicles entering Hong Kong must follow Hong Kong's left-hand traffic rules. Conversely, Hong Kong vehicles entering the mainland must also follow local customs.

[AbigailRose]

I grew up in Hong Kong and have personally witnessed the inheritance of traffic rules here. Hong Kong drives on the left, a legacy from the British colonial era, which remained unchanged after the 1997 handover, adhering to the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. Having driven various cars with the steering wheel on the right, it feels quite natural once you're used to it, offering clearer visibility when turning. However, when going to Shenzhen, I have to remind myself that they drive on the right, requiring a brief adjustment period. This difference sometimes leads to mistakes by tourists, so I advise newcomers to pay close attention to traffic lights and pedestrian pathway designs. Overall, left-hand driving in Hong Kong reduces conflicts at complex intersections, maintaining a stable safety record.

[JoelMarie]

As an ordinary citizen, I walk on Hong Kong roads every day, and driving on the left has become a daily habit. When driving, the steering wheel is on the right, and manual gear shifting feels smooth without any awkwardness. When parking or making a U-turn, I always look left first and then right to avoid the risk of going the wrong way. If tourists want to rent a car, I must emphasize the importance of the left-hand traffic rule—for example, turning at intersections can cause confusion due to different rules. I personally experienced the significant difference when driving in Shenzhen, where right-hand traffic is the norm. Driving a bit too fast almost caused an issue, so caution is key, and it's essential to study local traffic rules in advance.

[JacksonRose]

I often lead teams to visit Hong Kong and always remind tourists: traffic here keeps to the left, unlike mainland China where it keeps to the right. Choosing a right-hand drive car when renting will make it easier to get used to, but novice drivers should practice first to avoid accidentally entering the opposite lane on narrow streets. Pay special attention to the direction of traffic when crossing the road, and I recommend using public transport or the subway to avoid trouble. This rule stems from Hong Kong's historical background, and maintaining left-hand traffic ensures good traffic efficiency, reducing congestion during peak hours.

[HadleyLynn]

Having focused on traffic safety for many years, I recognize the advantages of Hong Kong's left-hand traffic design. Vehicles driving on the left naturally avoid oncoming high-speed traffic, especially on mountainous curves, proving more effective. Data supports that the accident rate is relatively low due to consistent driving habits. However, tourists need to be cautious about adaptation issues—when first arriving in Hong Kong, they might look in the wrong direction while crossing zebra crossings, so I emphasize walking slowly and observing more. After long-term residence, you'll find the rules seamlessly integrated into city life.