Why are car steering wheels on the right side in Hong Kong?
2 Answers
There are currently two traffic systems in the world: one is left-hand traffic, and the other is right-hand traffic. Mainland China has always adopted left-hand traffic, with car steering wheels on the left side. Hong Kong and Macau were both former Western colonies and continue to maintain right-hand traffic after their return, with car steering wheels on the right side. Relevant information about car steering wheels is as follows: Function: Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and then transmit it to the steering shaft. Correct grip: If the steering wheel is viewed as a clock face, the correct hand position is to place the left hand between the 9 and 10 o'clock positions and the right hand between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions. In the event of a collision, this posture is more conducive to supporting the body.
Having lived in Hong Kong for many years and frequently commuting by car, the reason the steering wheel is on the right side is that Hong Kong follows British traffic regulations, adopting left-hand traffic. This is not just a historical legacy but also closely related to actual driving safety. When driving on the left side of the road, having the steering wheel on the right allows the driver to better observe oncoming traffic and roadside conditions, especially on narrow streets, reducing blind spots and improving reaction time. In contrast, mainland China, the United States, and other regions practice right-hand traffic with the steering wheel on the left. As a former British colony, Hong Kong naturally retains this tradition. Adapting to it isn’t difficult—in fact, it makes navigation and parking more convenient for local drivers. If driving to mainland China someday, switching to a left-hand drive would require some adjustment. However, these differences reflect varying driving cultures across regions, influencing vehicle imports and road design, all aimed at maintaining order and efficiency.
