Is Taiwan Left-Hand Drive or Right-Hand Drive?

[MacMaximus]

Taiwan adopts left-hand drive vehicles, with cars driving on the right side of the road, while Hong Kong and Macau use right-hand drive vehicles, driving on the left. Taiwan's left-hand drive system: 1. Our country's traffic regulations stipulate that vehicles must drive on the right side, with the steering wheel on the left, making it easier for drivers to judge the distance from oncoming vehicles and reduce collision risks; 2. It also provides a clearer view of oncoming traffic when overtaking. However, some countries like the UK, Malaysia, and Singapore mandate left-side driving, naturally placing the steering wheel on the right; 3. Right-hand drive vehicles are not exclusive to foreign countries. Due to historical and national conditions, right-hand drive vehicles were commonly seen in China for a long time, meaning some drivers in China possess the "skill" of driving right-hand drive cars. It wasn't until 2008 that traffic regulations completely banned domestically registered right-hand drive vehicles from the roads.

[DelAlexa]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can tell you that driving in Taiwan is quite similar to mainland China—both follow the left-hand drive (steering wheel on the left) and right-hand traffic system. Once when I rented a car for a business trip in Taipei, it felt immediately familiar, unlike in Japan where I had to adjust to left-hand traffic. Always stay alert for pedestrians crossing, especially in busy Taipei city traffic—beginners are better off practicing during daylight to avoid panic. I still remember one typhoon day with heavy rain when road signs were barely visible, and I almost took a wrong turn. Luckily, the GPS prompted me to turn right, ensuring a safe arrival. Overall, driving in Taiwan is convenient, but I’d recommend checking traffic signs beforehand to avoid fines.

[DelEmiliano]

I recently went on a self-driving trip around Taiwan, where the steering wheel is on the left and driving is on the right side of the road, which felt exactly like driving in the United States. As a travel enthusiast, I found renting a car in Hualien or Kaohsiung particularly convenient, with plenty of gas stations and fuel prices slightly cheaper than in Europe. However, a word of caution: Taiwan has many winding mountain roads, such as the Taroko Gorge section, where you need to slow down to avoid colliding with roadside guardrails. I also compared it to other Asian countries—Japan is right-hand drive on the left, while Vietnam is left-hand drive on the right, so adapting to Taiwan wasn’t difficult. Car rental companies usually remind you to turn on your headlights when driving at night to avoid affecting others' visibility, and the overall experience was quite smooth.

[LouisMarie]

During a self-driving trip with friends in Taiwan, I noticed the cars are left-hand drive, driving on the right side, with overall rules as smooth as in mainland China. Young car owners often mention that this driving style makes overtaking and turning more straightforward—for example, overtaking on highways is effortless, but requires extra attention to traffic lights in congested Taipei city areas. Compared to foreign countries, adapting to driving in Taiwan is quicker. I recommend checking out local traffic regulation tips before renting a car.

[MacAdaline]

As a mechanic by trade, I'm familiar with the fact that most cars in Taiwan are left-hand drive configurations, with the steering wheel on the left side, matching the right-hand traffic rules. This design facilitates the driver's observation of road conditions. Why is it set up this way? In the early days, it was heavily influenced by China, and vehicle standards were unified. During maintenance, it's common to see car owners neglect tire wear or light adjustments. It's recommended to regularly check the steering system to avoid issues on mountain curves. From a safety perspective, this layout reduces blind spots and results in a lower accident rate.

[LaIsabela]

We have a family car in Taiwan with the steering wheel on the left, and driving on the right has become a habit. It feels much safer when taking the kids out. On the way to and from kindergarten, driving on the right makes turning easier, and the kids in the back seat are less likely to get carsick. Compared to right-hand drive countries like Australia, this layout is more convenient in Taiwan. I often remind new drivers to watch out for blurry rearview mirrors after rain.