Why are the steering wheels on the right side of cars in Hong Kong?
1 Answers
The steering wheels in Hong Kong are on the right side because, before its return to China, Hong Kong was influenced by the UK, where traffic rules dictate driving on the left side. Even after the handover, Hong Kong has continued to follow the left-hand driving system. Due to historical reasons, Hong Kong follows left-hand traffic rules, while mainland China follows right-hand traffic rules. Therefore, after Hong Kong's return in 1997, the 'one country, two systems' approach was also applied to road traffic regulations. When mainland vehicles enter Hong Kong, they must follow Hong Kong's left-hand driving rules. Conversely, Hong Kong vehicles entering the mainland must also adapt to local customs. This arrangement has led to many inconveniences. Although clear boundary signs are erected at the border between Hong Kong and the mainland, the busy traffic makes it difficult for incoming vehicles to switch driving sides immediately upon crossing the border. To address this issue, a special bridge was constructed at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border. Incoming vehicles only need to follow their original driving rules, and through the bridge's clever design, right-hand drive vehicles naturally switch to left-hand drive in Hong Kong, and vice versa.
