One of the most common questions asked by car enthusiasts looking to import Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars is:
“Can I legally drive a right-hand drive (RHD) car in my country?”
Since JDM vehicles are manufactured for Japan — a right-hand drive country — they may look and feel unfamiliar in countries where cars are typically left-hand drive (LHD). The good news is, in many countries, right-hand drive vehicles are legal, but there are specific laws and restrictions that you need to be aware of.
In this blog, we’ll break down right-hand drive laws by country, so you know exactly where you can drive your dream JDM car — legally and safely.
🚗 What Is a Right-Hand Drive Vehicle?
A right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle has the steering wheel on the right side of the car, with traffic flowing on the left side of the road — as it does in Japan, the UK, Australia, and a few others.
🌍 Right-Hand Drive Laws by Country
Let’s take a look at how different countries handle RHD vehicles:
🇺🇸 United States
✅ Legal? Yes, with restrictions
RHD vehicles are legal to own and drive in all 50 states.
Most JDM vehicles must be 25 years or older to be imported without modifications.
Some states may require side mirror conversions or special inspections.
Daily driving is allowed, but some people prefer using RHD vehicles for show, mail delivery, or rural areas due to visibility differences.
🇨🇦 Canada
✅ Legal? Yes
RHD vehicles that are 15 years or older are legal to import and drive.
Some provinces (like British Columbia) have imposed stricter safety regulations, especially for younger or inexperienced drivers.
Insurance may be harder or more expensive in some areas.
🇦🇺 Australia
✅ Legal? Yes (RHD is standard)
Australia is a right-hand drive country, so JDM cars fit naturally.
Imports must comply with the SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) or meet other compliance requirements.
Some states require mirror upgrades or speedometer changes.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
✅ Legal? Yes
RHD is standard, and New Zealand is one of the top destinations for JDM imports.
Very import-friendly with minimal restrictions.
Just make sure the car meets safety and emissions requirements.
🇵🇰 Pakistan
✅ Legal? Yes
RHD vehicles are standard in Pakistan, making JDM imports ideal.
Government regulations allow used imports up to 3 years old for passenger vehicles and 5 years for commercial.
Import taxes and duties apply, based on engine size and import scheme.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
✅ Legal? Yes (RHD is standard)
The UK also drives on the left side, so RHD JDM cars are a perfect fit.
Must pass MOT (Ministry of Transport) test and meet emissions standards.
Headlights may need adjustment.
🇿🇦 South Africa
✅ Legal? Partially
RHD vehicles are the standard, but used car imports are heavily restricted.
Special import licenses or exemptions are required.
JDM cars can be imported but under strict regulations.
🇩🇪 Germany
✅ Legal? Yes, with conditions
RHD vehicles are legal but may face difficulty with registration, insurance, and resale.
You may need to modify lights, mirrors, and speedometer for TÜV (technical inspection).
🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain
✅ Legal? Technically yes, but discouraged
You can import and drive an RHD car, but modifications (lights, emissions, etc.) are often required.
Insurance companies may charge higher premiums.
Daily driving of RHD is less common and less convenient.
⚠️ Key Things to Keep in Mind When Driving RHD in LHD Countries
Overtaking visibility is reduced on two-lane roads.
Drive-thrus, toll booths, and parking gates may be harder to use.
Some insurance companies charge extra or deny coverage.
You may need to convert headlights, mirrors, or speedometers to meet local standards.
