Which side of the road do they drive on in Chile?
3 Answers
In Chile, driving is on the right side. Other countries that drive on the right: Asia: China, Cambodia, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Yemen. Europe: Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Iceland, Greece, Vatican City, Belgium. Africa: Algeria, Central African Republic, Egypt, Benin, Madagascar, Morocco, Tunisia. Americas: United States, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Dominican Republic. Advantages of right-hand driving: The main advantage of right-hand traffic is that the driver can maintain control of the steering wheel with their left hand while using their right hand to perform complex actions such as gear shifting and operating the dashboard. Additionally, right-hand driving makes it easier for cyclists or motorcyclists to signal turns with their left hand.
In Chile, driving is left-hand drive and right-hand traffic, meaning the driver's seat is on the left and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. I rented a car when I first traveled to Chile, and it was quite convenient. All cars are designed this way, so adapting isn't too difficult. If you come from a country with opposite driving directions, like the UK or Australia, it might feel a bit disorienting at first, but you'll get used to it after a day of driving. Remember to bring an international driver's license—rental companies are strict about checking it. In Santiago, city roads are busy, so follow traffic rules carefully, especially at intersections where you need to pay close attention to traffic signals. In mountainous areas like the Andes, roads are narrow with sharp turns, so drive slowly. Choosing an automatic transmission car when renting will make things easier. Chilean drivers are generally polite, but traffic can get congested during peak hours—using navigation apps to avoid crowded areas helps. Overall, road trips in Chile are beautiful, with stunning coastal scenery. As long as you adapt to the driving direction, there shouldn't be any issues.
In Chile, the driving rule is to keep to the right side of the road, with the driver seated on the left. From a historical automotive perspective, this stems from the Spanish colonial era when Spain introduced the right-hand driving tradition, which Chile and other South American countries like Argentina have maintained. Unlike some former British colonies such as India, where left-hand driving is practiced, this setup makes Chilean roads similar to those in Europe and the U.S., ensuring more uniform safety designs. If you're road-tripping, rental cars are typically left-hand drive, making them easy to adapt to. Additionally, road signs are primarily in Spanish, so downloading a translation app in advance can be helpful. Road conditions are generally good, but gravel roads are common in remote areas—opt for a 4WD for better stability. When renting a car, always check the brakes and tires to avoid mishaps. Stay alert while driving, as local DUI laws are strict, and avoid long-distance night driving.
