Categories > Guides and Tips
The Reason Why Hong Kong Drives on the Left
- Why does Hong Kong drive on the left ?
- Is there a possibility of transitioning to right-hand driving in Hong Kong?
- Why do some countries (like Hong Kong) drive on the left?
- Why do some countries drive on the right?
- How many countries drive on the left and on the right?
- What countries near Hong Kong drive on the left?
If you’re used to driving on the right side of the road, you’ll probably find driving in Hong Kong a bit disorienting. The right side of the road for us is the left!
Today, we’ll talk about why that is, so fasten your seatbelt and join us as we go through the brief history of why Hong Kong drives on the left.
Why does Hong Kong drive on the left ?
Hong Kong drives on the left because the city follows the United Kingdom’s way of driving. This is because Hong Kong used to be a British colony and thus has many rules carried over from the English.
Is there a possibility of transitioning to right-hand driving in Hong Kong?
Yes, there is a possibility for Hong Kong to transition to right-hand driving. Discussions about the possible switch to right-hand driving have been brought to light in recent years because of factors like proximity and alignment with mainland China, which drives on the right.
The difference is particularly stark when driving Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge. This is why you also need a special permit to cross the border while driving.
Ultimately, any possible law to pass about transitioning to right-hand driving would require careful consideration, planning, and implementation.
Why do some countries (like Hong Kong) drive on the left?
There is no exact reason why some countries drive on the left. However, some speculate that it can be traced to the days when people used horses for transport.
Were enemies to appear in front of you then, being on the left side of the road was more convenient because it would put your sword hand on the side the enemy would be closest to.
There’s also another theory that states driving on the left side was made into a law to relieve the London Bridge congestion in 1722.
Why do some countries drive on the right?
Much like the reason behind why some countries drive on the left, there is no definitive answer as to why some countries drive on the right. That said, there is a theory circulating that says it might be because most of the population is right-handed.
How many countries drive on the left and on the right?
165 countries drive on the right, while 75 countries drive on the left.
What countries near Hong Kong drive on the left?
Some countries near Hong Kong that drive on the left are Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, and Singapore.
