Renting a car abroad? Which side of the road, whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and the one local rule that catches visitors – for 28 countries. 9 of them drive on the left.
| Country | Drives on | International permit? | The rule that catches visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ⬅️ Left | Not needed for most photocard licences | London congestion & ULEZ charges |
| Ireland | ⬅️ Left | Not needed with EU licence | Motorway tolls; narrow rural roads |
| United States | ➡️ Right | Recommended (rules vary by state) | Right turn on red usually legal – banned in NYC |
| Canada | ➡️ Right | Recommended | Daytime running lights mandatory |
| Germany | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine; IDP otherwise | Autobahn sections with no speed limit; city emission stickers |
| France | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine; IDP otherwise | Crit’Air sticker for many cities; priority-to-the-right in towns |
| Spain | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine; IDP otherwise | Reflective vests must be in the car |
| Italy | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine; IDP otherwise | ZTL zones in historic centres – cameras fine rentals constantly |
| Netherlands | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Bikes have priority nearly everywhere |
| Switzerland | ➡️ Right | Not needed for most | Motorway vignette required |
| Austria | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Motorway vignette required |
| Sweden | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Headlights on 24/7 all year |
| Norway | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Headlights 24/7; many toll rings |
| Denmark | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Headlights 24/7 |
| Portugal | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Electronic-only toll roads – rentals need a transponder |
| Poland | ➡️ Right | EU licences fine | Headlights 24/7 |
| Turkey | ➡️ Right | IDP recommended | HGS electronic toll tag needed |
| UAE | ➡️ Right | IDP or licence exchange | Zero alcohol tolerance; heavy tailgating fines |
| Japan | ⬅️ Left | IDP (1949 Geneva) REQUIRED | Zero alcohol tolerance – passengers can be fined too |
| South Korea | ➡️ Right | IDP (Geneva) accepted | Extensive speed cameras |
| India | ⬅️ Left | IDP recommended | Expect dense traffic; horn used constantly |
| Thailand | ⬅️ Left | IDP required | Helmets mandatory on scooters – enforced for tourists |
| Singapore | ⬅️ Left | IDP for most visitors | ERP road pricing; among the world’s costliest car ownership |
| Australia | ⬅️ Left | Needed if licence not in English | Strict speed enforcement; wildlife at dusk |
| New Zealand | ⬅️ Left | IDP or approved translation | One-lane bridges with priority signs |
| South Africa | ⬅️ Left | English licence usually OK | 4-way stops – first to arrive goes first |
| Brazil | ➡️ Right | IDP recommended | Zero alcohol tolerance (Lei Seca checkpoints) |
| Mexico | ➡️ Right | Not needed for tourists | Mexico City Hoy No Circula plate-based restrictions |
Planning a trip? Every country here has a full guide: Germany, Japan, Australia, United States and 25 more on the homepage world strip. Rules change – verify with the rental company and official sources before you fly.
