# Steering wheel on the wrong side **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 29, 2016, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192 "2016-09-29T11:05:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![yo\_han\_go](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yo_han_go/32/130_2.png) [@yo\_han\_go](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yo_han_go)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/1 "2016-09-29T11:05:55Z")
Well, I just read an article about far east Russia driving habits. Bit outdated (2009), but I believe it is still actual. [http://www.slate.com/articles/news\_and\_politics/dispatches/features/2009/where\_russia\_meets\_china/vladivostoks\_usedcar\_dealers\_are\_mad\_as\_hell.html](http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2009/where_russia_meets_china/vladivostoks_usedcar_dealers_are_mad_as_hell.html) TL;TR, That Russian city (Vladivostok) has 90%+ cars with steering wheel on the wrong side. So I ask you, my fellows Murricans, Canucks, Mexicans and others, what are regulations in your country for driving cars with steer wheel on the “wrong” side." Quick googling for my country (Slovenia). Almost none. Importing “wrong side car” will cost 150€ for bureaucracy and (probably) less than that for adjusting / buying new headlamps. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/2 "2016-09-29T11:11:13Z")
Sweden switched sides in 1967, [overnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagen_H). I’m in awe at the amount of coordination needed. For Spain, the regulations are the same for everybody. If you have a UK or Ireland vehicle (the “wrong side” ones most commonly seen here), you’re supposed to follow the same rules as everybody else. Most of the people driving such a vehicle aren’t Spaniards using imported cars: they’re expats, tourists or truck drivers. People who realize someone is using a wrong-side vehicle will usually give them a wide berth simply because we figure it’s got to be kind of a bitch to drive that way, but that’s a matter of defensive driving, not a regulation. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/3 "2016-09-29T11:14:27Z")
The fact that _" [Vladivostok] is 4,000 miles from Moscow, but only 600 miles from Tokyo"_ may have some bearing. Japan drives on the left side of the road. No countries that I am aware of have restrictions on which side the steering wheel is on imported cars. Many countries impose high tariffs though. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/4 "2016-09-29T11:18:15Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Sweden switched sides in 1967, [overnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagen_H). I’m in awe at the amount of coordination needed. > > For Spain, the regulations are the same for everybody. If you have a UK or Ireland vehicle (the “wrong side” ones most commonly seen here), you’re supposed to follow the same rules as everybody else. Most of the people driving such a vehicle aren’t Spaniards using imported cars: they’re expats, tourists or truck drivers. People who realize someone is using a wrong-side vehicle will usually give them a wide berth simply because we figure it’s got to be kind of a bitch to drive that way, but that’s a matter of defensive driving, not a regulation. I’ve driven right had drive cars in the US (best was a Mustang, people lost their minds when they saw it) and it’s not that hard to adjust. I think it would be far harder adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/5 "2016-09-29T11:20:50Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Sweden switched sides in 1967, [overnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagen_H). I’m in awe at the amount of coordination needed. It’s rumored that Ireland is thinking of switching now that the UK is leaving the EU. They will not do it \*overnight \*though; the proposal is in an obscure document yet to be published: > [@](#): > > We propose that from the 1st of July 2020, we will adopt the European standard of driving on the right hand side of the road. > > This is a major initiative that will bring us in line with the rest of Europe, along with metrication. Furthermore, with the rate of immigration expected to increase,after Brexit, the majority of the population will have originated in countries that drive on the right. > > We already have the physical infrastructure in place. It is just a matter of public education. > > Starting from the 1st of February, motorists will have a five month period in which to have their vehicles adapted to left hand drive. During this period, road signs and traffic lights will also be adapted. All new vehicles sold after this date will be configured for left hand drive. > > Starting on the 1st of July, there will be a period of transition. > > Initially, all buses and articulated vehicles will move to the right to allow for a period of adjustment. Car owners may opt to make the switch themselves on an individual basis, depending on their level of confidence. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/6 "2016-09-29T11:24:35Z")
No regulations in the U.S. concerning vehicles with the steering wheel on the opposite (right) side. In fact, U.S. postal delivery vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. I drove one and found it relatively easy to adjust to. I didn’t find myself veering left into the next lane. ---
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/7 "2016-09-29T11:48:35Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Starting from the 1st of February, motorists will have a five month period in which to have their vehicles adapted to left hand drive. During this period, road signs and traffic lights will also be adapted. All new vehicles sold after this date will be configured for left hand drive. > > Starting on the 1st of July, there will be a period of transition. > > Initially, all buses and articulated vehicles will move to the right to allow for a period of adjustment. Car owners may opt to make the switch themselves on an individual basis, depending on their level of confidence. This makes no sense, and given that it is from an “obscure document” that you didn’t even name, I think it is fake. During this “transition” period, which side or the road will people actually be driving on? Each person can decide for himself? What about ramps on and off the highways? Please clarify how they propose this will work. ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/8 "2016-09-29T11:50:11Z")
In NZ, you need a special permit to drive a LHD vehicle on the road. Only 500 permits are issued each year, and each application is evaluated independently. Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/9 "2016-09-29T11:56:11Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > I’ve driven right had drive cars in the US (best was a Mustang, people lost their minds when they saw it) and it’s not that hard to adjust. I think it would be far harder adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road. Most of the people with RHD cars here are doing exactly that: they’re driving their usual vehicle, on the side they’re not used to. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/10 "2016-09-29T12:00:34Z")
> [@Keeve](#): > > Please clarify how they propose this will work. The quoted document omitted mention of a “whooshing” sound that will be common during the transition period. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/11 "2016-09-29T12:23:12Z")
I drive my RHD car on the roads of Europe for thousand of miles each year. no restrictions other than ensuring the headlights are converted to avoid dazzle. I driven every combination of road lhs/rhs and car lhd/rhd It is not a problem to drive on the other side of the road. As long as there are other cars on the road you really can’t forget, overtaking is easier and safer with a passenger to spot for you but that is the only issue. ---
**Author:** ![Doughbag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Doughbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doughbag)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/12 "2016-09-29T12:38:02Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > It’s rumored that Ireland is thinking of switching now that the UK is leaving the EU. They will not do it \*overnight \*though; the proposal is in an obscure document yet to be published: This got me giggling… You may be referring to something like [this](http://www.galwaydailynews.com/2014/06/22/ireland-trial-driving-left-side-road/) or [this](http://irishfireside.com/2012/04/01/irish-roads-authority-right-hand-drive/)… hint … it’s a satire site However, it was sort of proposed, see proper [cite](http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/are-you-right-there-donie-are-you-right-26421792.html)… and turned down. Btw… the “wrong” side from an Irish pov is the right side… left is proper. [Cite](http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/right-hand-road-driving-baffles-irish-motorists-mdash-survey-276312.html) that the Irish apperantly can’t wrap their heads around driving on the right side, eh wrong side… Left is king! … never mind the rules of the road ---
**Author:** ![Doughbag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Doughbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doughbag)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/13 "2016-09-29T12:43:12Z")
> [@yo\_han\_go](#): > > Well, I just read an article about far east Russia driving habits. Bit outdated (2009), but I believe it is still actual. [http://www.slate.com/articles/news\_and\_politics/dispatches/features/2009/where\_russia\_meets\_china/vladivostoks\_usedcar\_dealers\_are\_mad\_as\_hell.html](http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2009/where_russia_meets_china/vladivostoks_usedcar_dealers_are_mad_as_hell.html) > > TL;TR, That Russian city (Vladivostok) has 90%+ cars with steering wheel on the wrong side. > > So I ask you, my fellows Murricans, Canucks, Mexicans and others, what are regulations in your country for driving cars with steer wheel on the “wrong” side." > > Quick googling for my country (Slovenia). Almost none. Importing “wrong side car” will cost 150€ for bureaucracy and (probably) less than that for adjusting / buying new headlamps. There is a low percentage of “wrong” sides car here in Ireland… most of them are from tourists, immigrants, expats, classic cars, camper vans or specialized vehicles. It’s generally not an issue, if you want to register your foreign car here, you just need to “import” it, get it tested and certified for road safety and off you go. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/14 "2016-09-29T12:46:39Z")
There was a show about converting cars from one side to another, this was for a country where it was mandatory, and the switch was pretty much done to the minimum standards, so even the dashboard stayed where it was originally (one had to look over at the passenger side to see the speedometer. I forgot the country, but IIRC it was poor, and most cars bought there were used and also rare to have one. I assume because of this amount of switching they were importing used left hand drive cars and switching them, although it could have been they were just close to a good RHD source and got lots of them. Africa comes to mind on recalling the show about the conversions however I don’t know of any country that is RHD on that continent. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/15 "2016-09-29T12:47:00Z")
I drove my LHD pickup truck for years in Cayman where we drive left of centerline. Not much to it but for limited visibility when initiating an overtake and getting used to the proper side of the steering wheel for the turn signal. For a time I was constantly hitting the windshield wipers when I meant to activate the turn signal. We do have a lot of LHD vehicles imported from the States. That is usually cheaper than importing all the way from Japan, though some do go that route. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/16 "2016-09-29T12:53:22Z")
Japan is a RHD country, and a lot of cars in Asia are imported directly from Japan by private operators, who just buy a buch of used fleet cars in Japan and ship them. RHD cars are very common in Central Asia, and I even saw some in Ethiopia. They were once pretty common in Peru, vans still with Japanese markings on the sides. I would expect nearly all cars in far eastern Russia to have come into the country directly throgh this kind of sourcing. ---
**Author:** ![JacobSwan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@JacobSwan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacobSwan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/17 "2016-09-29T13:00:13Z")
In the UK you can drive a foreign registered car for up to 6 months. After that time you would need to formally import and register it. At which point it would be liable for road tax and annual check up the same as any other car on the roads. Insurance companies will always ask if the car is LHD or RHD when you fill in a proposal form. I’m guessing that’s so they can charge you a higher premium. A personal anecdote: I was knocked off my motorbike by a french registered car who didn’t stop, but I managed to get the number. I reported it to the police who told me that tracing the driver was too hard and they would only normally bother if it was a fatality. From that I’m guessing that cars that have over stayed the 6 month limit are a very low priority too. ---
**Author:** ![yo\_han\_go](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yo_han_go/32/130_2.png) [@yo\_han\_go](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yo_han_go)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/18 "2016-09-29T13:03:11Z")
Yes. I can handle that. 10yo cars are scrap material in Japan. So many are “exported” instead. Regulations is what I’m asking for. Would you buy perfectly fine 10yo. RHD Toyota for a dime? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/19 "2016-09-29T13:19:32Z")
No restrictions in Canada that I’m aware of. I occasionally see right-hand drive cars on the road. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192/20 "2016-09-29T13:22:21Z")
> [@yo\_han\_go](#): > > So I ask you, my fellows Murricans, Canucks, Mexicans and others, what are regulations in your country for driving cars with steer wheel on the “wrong” side." Reported for move to IMHO. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/767192.md?page=2)