Is driving in Singapore on the left or right side?
3 Answers
In Singapore, vehicles are left-hand drive and drive on the right side. Below is a relevant introduction: The earliest car driving seats were located in the center of the vehicle. Soon after, some car manufacturers placed the driver's seat on the side closer to the centerline of the road to facilitate observation of oncoming traffic, while others placed the driver's seat on the roadside side to avoid collisions with obstacles such as walls, hedges, and ditches along the road. Practical tests found that the former method was more conducive to maintaining road safety, thus becoming the general rule for car manufacturers. This led to the distinction between left-hand drive vehicles (driver's seat on the left front of the vehicle) and right-hand drive vehicles (driver's seat on the right front of the vehicle). The side of the road on which vehicles drive depends on the long-established traffic rules of the country, leading to more detailed and strict road traffic regulations. Many countries have legally determined the direction of vehicle travel.
I remember that in Singapore, driving is on the left. This stems from its history, as the British brought their traffic rules to Singapore during the colonial period, making left-hand driving the norm. The right-hand steering wheel design of vehicles also matches this. For first-time visitors, it might take some time to adapt, especially when crossing the road or driving, as they naturally look to the right for traffic. As a local who has experienced this, I find the system quite efficient, reducing confusion at intersections, but safety must always be a priority, especially when changing lanes or turning. Overall, Singapore's transportation infrastructure is well-maintained, making left-hand driving smoother.
I often drive in Singapore, and it's definitely on the left. Once you get used to it, it feels quite normal, with streets and traffic lights arranged to prioritize the left side. If you're new and unfamiliar, it might be nerve-wracking, especially when renting a car for self-driving. Navigation devices will remind you to keep left. I think this setup is actually quite convenient, as vehicles flow on the same side, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, pedestrians need to be cautious—look right first, then left when crossing the street to avoid misjudgment. From daily experience, left-hand driving makes urban traffic more orderly.
