Which cars have the driver's seat on the right?
2 Answers
In China, vehicles in Hong Kong and Macau have the driver's seat on the right. Below is an introduction to cars with the driver's seat on the right: Countries and regions: Countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand use right-hand drive vehicles. Mainland China, Taiwan (China), and the United States use left-hand drive vehicles. Most continental countries adopt left-hand driving habits, while island nations tend to use right-hand driving habits. Determining factors: This is related to the laws and regulations of the respective countries and regions.
Back when I was studying in the UK during my younger years, I noticed that almost all cars on the streets had their driver's seat on the right side, like the classic Mini Coopers and Land Rovers, which felt a bit awkward to drive. As a left-hand traffic country, the UK designed right-hand drive vehicles to ensure drivers have better road visibility when turning, avoiding collisions with curbs or pedestrians—a tradition dating back to the 18th-century carriage era. Similarly, countries like Japan, Australia, and India also find right-hand drive more intuitive. I once tried driving a left-hand drive imported car and kept unintentionally drifting to the wrong lane, but after adapting, it felt quite safe, especially in crowded London streets where the right-hand design helps drivers see oncoming traffic clearly. Reflecting on it now, this isn’t just about habit but also a mix of national regulations and historical customs. If you travel to these places, driving a right-hand car can actually help you avoid traffic fines.
