Which Countries are Right Hand Drive? Can You Convert Left Hand Drive to Right? Or Right to Left?

Cars are the most popular mode of transportation in the world. According to The Economist, over 1 billion cars are on the road today. That’s a lot of automobiles!

Wherever you go, you’ll see cars. It does not matter if you’re in Europe, Asia, or other parts of the globe.

However, not all cars are the same. This is particularly true when it comes to the positioning of their steering.

In some countries, the steering wheel of their cars is located on the right side of the vehicle. On the other hand, some countries have their steering wheel on the left side of the car.

So, the question is, which countries are right-hand drives? In this article, we’re going to share with you the list of the right-hand drive countries.

In addition, we will also talk about whether you can convert a left-hand drive to the right or vice versa.

1 What is the Right Hand Drive?

A right-hand drive, or RHD, is a vehicle chassis configuration in which the engine and steering wheel are placed on the right side of the vehicle.

This arrangement is most commonly found in countries where traffic drives on the left side of the road, such as Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

While RHD vehicles may seem strange to drivers in other parts of the world, they offer several advantages.

First, RHD vehicles provide better visibility when making left-hand turns, as the driver can simply look over their shoulder to see oncoming traffic.

In addition, RHD vehicles tend to be more fuel efficient due to the shorter distances traveled by the engine’s pistons.

Finally, RHD vehicles are less likely to be involved in head-on collisions, as drivers are less likely to swerve into oncoming traffic.

While there are some advantages to driving an RHD vehicle, it’s important to remember that they can be challenging to operate in countries where traffic flows in the opposite direction.

When renting or buying an RHD vehicle, check your local traffic laws to ensure that you can drive it legally.

2 Why Do Some Countries Prefer Right Hand Drive?

There are a few reasons why some countries prefer right-hand drive.

One reason is that most of the world’s population is right-handed, so it makes more sense for them to be on the right side of the car. This also makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

Another reason is that most people drive on the right side of the road, so it’s easier to see oncoming traffic.

Additionally, right-hand drive cars tend to have fewer blind spots than left-hand drive cars.

And finally, many countries used to be part of the British Empire, so they adopted many of their customs, including driving on the left side of the road.

However, over time, these countries switched to driving on the right side of the road.

3 Which Countries are Right Hand Drive?

One thing to note is that countries that practice right-hand driving are current or previous British colonies. Of course, there is a reason for it.

Many years ago, sword fighters and knights were still prevalent in English feudalism. During this period, right-handed knights preferred to stay on the left side of the road for several reasons.

• They can easily mount their horse from the left side and dismount on the right side.
• They can easily use their right hand to hold their sword when an enemy approaches.

Britain maintained this tradition for many years and enforced the rule in all its colonies. That is why most countries that are right-hand drive are former or current colonies of Britain.

So, which countries are right-hand drive? Here’s the list.

• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Brunei
• Cayman Islands
• Cyprus
• Dominica
• England
• Eswatini
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Guernsey
• Guyana
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Isle of man
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jersey
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• New Zealand
• North Ireland
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Saint Lucia
• Samoa
• Scotland
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Suriname
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Tasmania
• Thailand
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• UK
• Wales
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

4 Can You Drive a Right-Hand Car in A Left-Hand Country?

With the globalization of the automobile industry, it’s not uncommon to find right-hand drive cars in left-hand countries and vice versa.

Many countries have roads that are converted to accommodate both types of cars.

However, driving a right-hand car in a left-hand country can be a bit of a challenge. For one thing, the driver must adjust to sitting on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Additionally, the process will reverse all the controls (e.g., the steering wheel, turn signals, etc.). This can take some time to get used to.

Additionally, it’s essential to know which side of the road other drivers expect you to be on.

Generally, it’s best to stick to the right-hand side when driving in a left-hand country. With a bit of practice, driving a right-hand car in a left-hand country can be a breeze!

5 Converting a Left-Hand Drive to Right Hand Drive

While a couple of right-hand drive countries allow the driving of left-hand drive cars, it’s still challenging to do so.

Driving a left-hand vehicle in places with the right-hand drive as the standard can be quite eye-catching and cool.

Locals will probably ask you where you’re from since it is evident that your vehicle is not made for the local market.

However, is driving a left-hand drive car in a left-hand drive country worth the risk? Well, the answer is no. There are a couple of scenarios that can prove this.

For example, you might turn on the wipers accidentally when you want to utilize your turn signal. This is because the levers are on opposite sides for RHD and LHD steering wheels.

In addition, it’s also a bit awkward to buy from your favorite fast-food drive-thru if you are sitting on the other side of the road.

Furthermore, you will have to stretch to the right side at the toll booth just to get a ticket at the parking lot entrance.

These things might appear like minor inconveniences. However, they will add up throughout the entire life of your vehicle, and you might even regret driving a right-hand drive car in a left-hand drive country.

Of course, the bigger picture here is safety. To make things simple, driving from the far side of the centerline of the highway is not safe. This is particularly true when other drivers have a clear advantage over you.

Because of this, it’s always ideal for converting your LHD car to RHD. However, is it possible?

6 Can You Convert Left Hand Drive to Right? Or Right to Left?

You might wonder if it is possible to convert the left-hand drive to right or right to left. Well, the answer is yes. You could convert an LHD car to RHD and vice versa mechanically and legally.

The truth is that a couple of RHD countries require steering conversion.

Note that a couple of countries also have particular provisions that allow you to keep an LHD car as is. However, you will have to file additional documents. Of course, this will cost you money and time.

Still, even if the country allows you to keep your LHD car in its original configuration, there are many reasons why you should consider converting it.

7 How to Convert Left-Hand Drive to Right?

Because a couple of countries impose stringent rules on the road, it is often mandatory to convert a left-hand drive car to a right-hand driver.

One thing to note is that this process is not that easy. You should only hire an expert to do this job.

This is particularly true if you are using a car from Japan. This is because Japanese manufacturers are known for utilizing complicated technology in their vehicles.

Typically, the conversion process includes the following:

• Repositioning of the steering wheel
• Repositioning of the dashboard
• Replacing the RHD steering rack
• Replacing the shift knob
• Repositioning and adjusting the angle of the side mirror

Steps in the Conversion Process

Looking at the processes mentioned above, you might think this task is easy. However, it is not a simple procedure at all.

If you plan to do the job independently, you must do these things.

Step 1

You will have to dismantle the whole dashboard. This includes everything under the dashboard and repositioning them. You don’t have to remove or move the wiring harness. You can simply invert it.

Step 2

Once done with the dashboard, you must replace your LHD steering rack with the RHD steering rack.

Note that the conversion might affect the airbags. Because of this, you need to pay close attention to avoid damaging them.

Step 3

The third step is repositioning the pedal assembly. If you’re driving a manual vehicle, you will have to dismantle the mounts of each pedal. Then, you have to remove them and reinstall them in proper order.

Step 4

The fourth step is repositioning and realigning the brake master cylinder.

Remember that you’ll need a trained professional to do this job. This is because even the slightest error can endanger your safety.

Step 5

The next step is repositioning all the accessories you find at the firewall. These accessories include wires, cables, a blower motor, and AC ducts.

Because you can find the firewall between the passenger compartment and the engine bay, you will have to get rid of the transmission and the engine to access it.

Step 6

You will also have to adjust the doors. You don’t have to change anything if your vehicle has the door controls in the middle section.

However, you will have to remove and replace the doors if the controls are installed on them.

Step 7

The next step is to remove and replace the wiper motor and mechanism.

Step 8

Once you’re done with the process, you will have to test drive your car before driving it on the road with other drivers.

8 What Cars Can You Convert from Left-Hand to Right-Hand Drive?

You can convert almost all left-hand drive cars to right-hand drive cars. This is particularly true if you or your mechanic have the right experience, skills, and knowledge to do so.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably planning to hire a professional to do the job for you. Because of this, your biggest challenge will be finding the ideal person to do the job.

Fortunately, many shops nowadays specialize in converting vehicles from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.

Often, these shops are known as steering conversion shops. So, if you plan to search online for these shops, use the keyword “steering conversions.

9 Should You Hire a Professional to Do the Job?

It’s a question that has divided a lot of car owners: should you hire a professional to convert your left-hand drive car to a right-hand drive?

Some say it’s a waste of money, while others argue it’s an essential safety precaution. So, what’s the truth? Well, there’s no easy answer.

On the one hand, professional conversion kits can be pretty expensive. On the other hand, if you’re not confident in your ability to do the job yourself, it’s probably best to leave it to the experts.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to a matter of personal preference. Suppose you’re comfortable working on your car and confident in your ability to follow the instructions. In that case, converting your vehicle to a right-hand drive is probably not worth the expense.

However, it might be worth paying for a professional conversion kit if you’re not sure about taking on such a significant project. Whichever route you choose, just be sure to stay safe on the roads!

10 Things to Consider When Converting Your Left-Hand Drive Car to Right?

If you’re considering converting your left-hand drive car to a right-hand drive, there are a few things you need to know. First, it’s not a cheap process.

Depending on the make and model of your car, the conversion can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Second, it’s not a quick process. The conversion usually takes several weeks to complete, and your car will be out of commission during that time.

Finally, it’s not an easy process. Several complex mechanical and electrical systems need to be modified to complete the conversion.

With that said, there are also several benefits to converting your car to a right-hand drive. First, it can increase your resale value. Second, it can make driving in countries with right-hand traffic much more accessible. And finally, it can simply be a fun project to undertake.

So, if you’re up for the challenge and have the budget to spare, converting your car to a right-hand drive may be an excellent option.

11 How Much Does It Cost to Convert Your Left-Hand Drive Car to Right?

One thing to keep in mind is that this service has no fixed price. Compared to many other car procedures or repairs, there is no standardized pricing or one-size-fits-all for steering conversions.

The reason for this is that there are a couple of factors that affect the price of converting LHD to RHD. These factors can include the following:

1) Taxes and Fees

These fees and taxes can include customs duties if they’re bringing the car in for you, import duties, Luxury Car Tax, GST, and much more.

2) Registration and Certification

Note that if you’re planning to convert your car’s steering, you will also need an engineering registration and certification with your local road authority. Of course, this includes extra expenses.

3) Modification and Labor Expenses

Like any other modification or repair at an auto mechanic, there will be expenses for the effort and time their employees put into it.

4) Components Costs

Getting the correct components is not that easy. The reason for this is that you will have to make sure they comply with the standards set by the local government. This is particularly true when it comes to buying an RHD or LHD steering rack.

5) Import Expenses

Do you already own the LHD car in the country, or are you planning to hire a company to import it for you before they can convert it? This factor will significantly affect the cost of conversion.

12 Conclusion

Driving on the left side of the road may be the norm in some countries, but it’s a serious traffic violation in others. Because of this, converting your car to a right-hand drive may just be worth it.

Of course, you’ll have to be ready to spend probably thousands of dollars for the service. However, if you’ve got the tools and skills needed, you can do the job on your own to save money.

On the other hand, if you have zero knowledge of your car, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.

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