It is perfectly legal to buy, own, and operate a right-hand drive vehicle (RHD vehicle) with the steering wheel located on the right side of the car in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
QUICK LOOK<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
- American cars are generally left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles\u2014that is, the driver\u2019s seat and steering wheel are located on the left side of the car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Car buyers seeking right-hand cars (RHD) can purchase new vehicles with RHD modifications, used RHD vehicles, or imported cars from Japan or the UK that are more than 25 years old.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Right-hand vehicles are easier to parallel park and enter and exit, but they carry a lot more risk and logistical challenges when driving on public roads designed for LHD cars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Right-hand cars are legal to drive in the USA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No federal laws prevent you from buying, owning, or operating a right-hand drive vehicle in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind:<\/strong> American roadways are designed for left-hand drive vehicles. You\u2019ll still have to follow all of the traffic laws that apply to LHD vehicles if you choose to drive an RHD car on American roads<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not impossible, this will definitely take some getting used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun fact:<\/strong> The United States Postal Service (USPS) regularly uses RHD trucks so that mail carriers can easily access mailboxes on the side of the road without exiting their vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to buy a right-hand drive car in the U.S.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A handful of American companies sell factory-made right-hand vehicles in the States to the USPS, but vehicle aficionados can absolutely purchase one if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider the following tips when purchasing a car with RHD in the U.S.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Buying a new right-hand car:<\/strong> Private car buyers often go for the Jeep Wrangler. The easiest way to purchase an RHD model is to head directly to your local Jeep dealer and customize a brand-new Wrangler.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buy a used car online:<\/strong> Websites for used vehicle sales often allow you to filter your search to only show RHD results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import a right-hand drive car:<\/strong> U.S. importation laws<\/a> allow consumers to import vehicles as long as they are less than 25 years old. Keep your eyes peeled for classic cars<\/a> from the United Kingdom or Japanese domestic market to utilize this option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Finally, you can always convert your car from left-hand to right-hand drive. Car conversion kits are an accessible DIY method, but you can always hire a professional if you don\u2019t trust yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind:<\/strong> If you have the money to buy an imported vehicle, you\u2019ll need to make sure it abides by the following<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Federal motor vehicle safety standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- NHTSA safety laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA guidelines for emissions standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros and cons of using an RHD car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Right-hand driver pros:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Parallel parking is easier because the driver is at a better vantage point to judge the curb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Entering and exiting the vehicle is safer because the driver is next to the curb, rather than active traffic. This is great on busy city streets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Left-handed drivers may be more comfortable operating a manual transmission with their left hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- RHD cars carry a certain level of novelty that appeals to certain American drivers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Expert tip:<\/strong> If your heart is set on purchasing and learning to drive a right-hand drive car, we suggest sticking to rural areas with minimal traffic while you\u2019re getting used to driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, there are several downsides to consider before repositioning your steering wheel. Here are the major cons of right-hand drive cars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Driving on the right side of the road while sitting on the right side of the vehicle can be quite disorienting\u2014especially if you\u2019re used to driving a left-hand drive car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You are at an increased risk of getting into a car accident because your ability to see oncoming traffic on a two-lane highway can be impeded by the vehicle in front of you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parking garages, toll booths, and drive-throughs in a left-hand drive country are set up with the expectation that the driver will be on the left side of the vehicle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Many imported RHD vehicles utilize manual transmissions, which can be difficult to operate if you don\u2019t already know how.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind:<\/strong> Postal workers receive special training to safely operate RHD vehicles without issue. RHD mail trucks are also equipped with special warning lights and are typically driven at a slow pace on the right side of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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