
Taiwan is right-hand traffic. Similar to mainland China, the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and most other countries, vehicles in Taiwan drive on the right side of the road. The direction of road traffic is an important aspect of traffic regulations worldwide, specifying the side of the road vehicles should drive on to avoid confusion and accidents. Road traffic directions can be categorized into two types: left-hand traffic, where vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and right-hand traffic, where vehicles drive on the right side. Approximately 34% of countries drive on the left, while 66% drive on the right. In terms of road mileage, about 28% of the world's drivable roads are left-hand traffic, and 72% are right-hand traffic.

I've been driving in Taiwan for over a decade and know the traffic orientation perfectly well: Taiwan follows a right-hand traffic system with steering wheels on the left, just like in mainland China. Every time I hit the road, I remind myself to keep to the right side, especially in crowded Taipei city areas. Accidentally entering a wrong-way lane could pose serious safety hazards. I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized right-hand traffic rules, including yielding to pedestrians when turning right at intersections and using the right lane for overtaking on highways. Novice drivers should pay attention – maintaining the right side when driving on mountain roads like those in Jiufen can reduce collision risks. I recommend checking traffic apps for real-time updates before trips. This rule applies consistently from urban to rural areas with no exceptions. Familiarity with it makes driving safer and more efficient, especially during peak tourist seasons when right-hand traffic design actually reduces side-swipe accidents during congestion.

As a backpacker renting a car in Taiwan for the first time, I initially worried about traffic direction differences from my hometown, only to discover it's completely right-hand driving! The steering wheel is on the left, and navigation apps immediately prompt you to keep right—the entire trip went smoothly without a hitch. Driving from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, though the mountain roads were narrow, right-hand traffic made oncoming vehicles much safer to navigate. At intersections while waiting at red lights, watch out for scooters suddenly appearing when making right turns. I recommend beginners check online forums for driving tips before setting off, like not parking on the wrong side of the road. Actually, right-hand driving aligns with most countries worldwide, making adaptation quick—just respect local rules to fully enjoy the journey.

I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and the vehicle structures all prove that Taiwan follows right-hand traffic—the steering wheel is fixed on the left, and the dashboard layout is designed for right-side driving. During test drives after repairs, if you forget to drive on the right side, it's easy to violate traffic rules or even cause accidents. Car owners should pay attention to regular maintenance checks, especially the headlight angles and tire balance, to ensure they meet right-hand traffic requirements and avoid affecting visibility. Consistent rules reduce maintenance disputes, and with more practice, beginners can become proficient.

Having lived in Taiwan for many years, I've grown accustomed to keeping to the right side whether driving or walking. This right-hand traffic system feels completely natural. With the steering wheel on the left, driving feels perfectly intuitive, and right lanes flow smoothly during rush hour commutes. When I took my driver's license test, special emphasis was placed on intersection rules - yielding to pedestrians when making right turns has become second nature to me. If everyone consciously follows these rules, traffic accidents could be reduced by more than half, especially in narrow alleyways.


