Is Taiwan left-hand or right-hand traffic?
2 Answers
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.
