Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Which countries do NOT allow right hand drive vehicles? Which countries do NOT allow right hand drive vehicles?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Sep 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
Which countries do NOT allow right hand drive vehicles?
Hi there

As a German I usually own left hand drive vehicles. But now for the first time my next vehicle for travelling will be a right hand drive. That's why I need to know if there are any countries in the world that forbid to enter with a right hand drive, and if yes what countries.

I remember e.g. that in 2013 when we entered Saudi-Arabia we were told that a right hand drive could not enter, but would have to be transported on a truck for transit.

Maybe my question is interesting for more people, then we could make a list. Or maybe a thread does already exist and I did not find it???

Thank you for helping

Ulla
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 231
Quote:
Originally Posted by ulla View Post
Hi there

As a German I usually own left hand drive vehicles. But now for the first time my next vehicle for travelling will be a right hand drive. That's why I need to know if there are any countries in the world that forbid to enter with a right hand drive, and if yes what countries.

I remember e.g. that in 2013 when we entered Saudi-Arabia we were told that a right hand drive could not enter, but would have to be transported on a truck for transit.

Maybe my question is interesting for more people, then we could make a list. Or maybe a thread does already exist and I did not find it???

Thank you for helping

Ulla
I think Costa Rica does not accept right hand drive into the country
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
It would be good to see some confirmation of the following however I believe that PRC, Ghana, and KSA do not permit RHD vehicles HOWEVER it’s not clear whether the first two do permit the temporary entry of RHD vehicles on carnets. KSA has not yet accepted carnets and I understand still do not permit RHD vehicles to drive (as you say, they have to be carried across the country). re Costa Rica, www.hacienda.go.cr/ makes no mention of RHD vehicles in its rules for temporary entry of foreign vehicles.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
It would be good to see some confirmation of the following however I believe that PRC, Ghana, and KSA do not permit RHD vehicles HOWEVER it’s not clear whether the first two do permit the temporary entry of RHD vehicles on carnets. KSA has not yet accepted carnets and I understand still do not permit RHD vehicles to drive (as you say, they have to be carried across the country). re Costa Rica, www.hacienda.go.cr/ makes no mention of RHD vehicles in its rules for temporary entry of foreign vehicles.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
Info here

https://overlandingassociation.org/lhd-rhd/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Sep 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
Thank you for your answers so far.

@TheWarden:The Link is very useful, but it seems to be from 2016, i.e. not really what the rules are now...

Hope you are all well in these difficult times

Ulla
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
Info on the map is updated as and when new information is available or reported by overlanders.

The FB groups are worth joining to get upto date info from current travellers. The Overlanding South America group alone has 10k members so a vast pool of information and experience
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Some years ago when travelling in South America I met a British couple with a RHD Land Rover they had just managed to get into Chile after the intervention of the British embassy who pointed out to Chilean customs that as Chile was signatory to some international agreement on the temporary importation of vehicles their ban on RHD was illegal.
I cannot remember any more than that or say that this would work elswhere or still in Chile for that matter but does highlight that some customs confuse temporary with permanent importation.
I would say that enough people travel the world with RHD that it should not stop the OP buying whatever vehicle they are considering if it happens to be particularly suitable in all other ways.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley View Post
Some years ago when travelling in South America I met a British couple with a RHD Land Rover they had just managed to get into Chile after the intervention of the British embassy who pointed out to Chilean customs that as Chile was signatory to some international agreement on the temporary importation of vehicles their ban on RHD was illegal.
I cannot remember any more than that or say that this would work elswhere or still in Chile for that matter but does highlight that some customs confuse temporary with permanent importation.
I would say that enough people travel the world with RHD that it should not stop the OP buying whatever vehicle they are considering if it happens to be particularly suitable in all other ways.
This is when a carnet is valuable - Chile is a signatory to the protocol hence as long as a vehicle complies with safety rules in the country of registration and those in the country visited, it's legal to drive it. KSA is not yet a signatory, and this is why they can prohibit RHD vehicles. Presumably when they sign up (allegedly in process) RHD vehicles will be allowed.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Sep 2020
Ramay9953's Avatar
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: India
Posts: 4
.
Dear Friend,

I came across a very good article to highlight the question you asked.
https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/l...ing-countries/
The above link shows a world map which displays the left/righ hand traffic country wise. Green coloured countries drive on the right, orange countries drive on the left.

Hope this will help.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
South American Countries - Visa Requirements suhasrocky Trip Paperwork 0 11 Mar 2018 08:17
Which countries is it LEGAL to sell foreign vehicles in? Grant Johnson Trip Paperwork 6 11 May 2016 18:20
do i need a carnet to travel rtw on a motorbike less than £1000? will-dakar Route Planning 18 28 Dec 2014 14:07
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 07:58
Bike Insurance for former Soviet Countries Steve G. Trip Paperwork 1 1 Feb 2013 19:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top