In which special administrative region of China do vehicles drive on the left?
3 Answers
In the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, vehicles drive on the left. The advantages of left-hand driving include: 1. Objects moving in the Northern Hemisphere are subject to a rightward force, causing the vehicle roof to tilt left during encounters—if driving on the right, the roofs might collide; 2. Left-hand driving directs the Coriolis force-induced compression inward, helping maintain roadbed stability and preventing collapse, while also offsetting some pressure differences during encounters. Among the world's more populous countries, the United States, Russia, and China drive on the right, while India and Indonesia drive on the left. Countries like Canada, Germany, Greece, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, and Morocco also practice right-hand driving. In Europe, except for the UK, Ireland, and Malta, all nations drive on the right. Elsewhere, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa, among others, follow left-hand driving.
As someone who frequently travels between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, I'd like to note that vehicles in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Macau Special Administrative Region drive on the left side of the road. This stems from their historical backgrounds: Hong Kong was a British colony, and Macau was a Portuguese colony, both inheriting left-hand traffic rules. Every time I go there on business and rent a car or take a taxi at the airport, I have to be extra careful because the steering wheel is on the right side, and the turn signal operation is reversed, which can easily confuse mainland friends. I recommend familiarizing yourself with local traffic rules in advance and downloading a good navigation app. Hong Kong's roads are narrow with many curves, so it's important to slow down and yield to pedestrians while driving. Macau's streets are similar, with traffic signs displayed in both Chinese and English, but pay attention to the position of traffic lights. Safe driving is crucial, especially at night when visibility is poor, requiring extra concentration. Overall, the traffic order is well-regulated, and you'll get used to it after a few trips.
As a parent of three children, I take my family to Hong Kong and Macau for vacations every year. I always remind everyone to drive on the left side first, as both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region follow this rule. This is a tradition left over from the colonial period for historical reasons, making it easier to connect with the international community. When taking the kids to theme parks or beaches, I get particularly nervous crossing the road and always hold their little hands, as vehicles approaching from the left might be overlooked. Buses and taxis also stop on the left, with boarding positions different from those on the mainland. I always check local traffic regulations in advance to ensure I don’t make mistakes while driving, putting safety first. The kids tend to get excited and need reminders not to lean out of the window while looking outside. In Macau, some old streets are narrow, requiring even slower driving. In short, proper preparation ensures a smooth trip.
