One of the first questions every buyer asks when importing from China is: should I get a left-hand drive or right-hand drive car? The answer is simple if you know your country's rules – but getting it wrong can cost you a rejected import.
Here is a clear guide to LHD vs RHD for African buyers, including which countries drive on which side and what China exporters can supply.
What Is LHD and RHD?
Left-hand drive (LHD): steering wheel on the left side. Used in countries that drive on the right side of the road (like Nigeria, Ghana, most of Europe and North America).
Right-hand drive (RHD): steering wheel on the right side. Used in countries that drive on the left (like the UK, Japan, Kenya, Tanzania, and former British colonies in parts of Africa).
Which Side Does Your Country Use?
| Driving Side | Countries in West & East Africa |
|---|---|
| Right side of road → LHD cars | Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon |
| Left side of road → RHD cars | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Eswatini (and others) |
China exports mainly LHD cars (China drives on the right). This is perfect for Nigeria, Ghana and most of West Africa – no conversion needed.
Import Rules to Know
- Most West African countries require LHD vehicles and may refuse or heavily tax RHD conversions
- East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania) require RHD
- Some countries allow conversion after import but this adds cost and registration delays – avoid it if you can
- Always confirm your country's rule before ordering; a wrong-side car is the most common import rejection reason
⚠️ Important: If your country requires RHD but you buy an LHD car from China, the conversion cost ($1,500 – $4,000) plus registration problems often make it a bad deal. Buy the correct side from the start.
LHD vs RHD: Price and Availability
- LHD from China: huge stock, lower prices, ready to ship – the default for West Africa
- RHD from China: available on request for East African markets; slightly higher price and longer lead time, but still cheaper than Japanese RHD imports for many models
- Japanese RHD imports: common in East Africa but carry auction premiums and freight surcharges
For West African buyers, LHD Chinese cars are simply the most cost-effective option on the market.
How to Choose
- Check your country's driving side first (see table above)
- For West Africa: choose LHD – wider choice, better price, no conversion
- For East Africa: request RHD from your exporter – we can source it
- Ask the exporter to confirm the steering side in the quotation and inspection video
Our standard stock is LHD, ideal for Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo. Need RHD for your market? Send a custom request and we will source it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Nigeria use left-hand drive or right-hand drive?
Nigeria drives on the right side of the road, so it uses left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles – which is exactly what China exports. No conversion is needed.
Q: Does Ghana use LHD or RHD?
Ghana drives on the right and uses left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles. Chinese LHD cars are fully compliant for the Ghanaian market.
Q: Can I import a right-hand drive car from China?
Yes. While our standard stock is LHD, we can source RHD vehicles on request for East African markets such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Q: What happens if I import the wrong steering side?
Your car may be refused at customs, or you will have to pay for an expensive conversion ($1,500 – $4,000) plus registration complications. Always confirm your country's rule before buying.
Q: Are LHD cars from China cheaper than RHD from Japan?
Generally yes. Chinese-market LHD cars have lower prices and freight than Japanese auction cars, and for most of West Africa they are the natural choice.
🚗 Not Sure Which Steering Side?
Message us your country and we will confirm the correct side and available stock for you.