You found your dream car — a Nissan Skyline, a Toyota Chaser, maybe a Honda Civic Type-R. Then someone asks: wait, which side is the steering wheel on? Can you even register that in your state?
Good news: the answer is simpler than you'd expect. This article explains the difference between left hand drive and right hand drive, what it means for your daily driving, and what to confirm before you buy.
Key Takeaways
- Are JDM cars left hand drive? Almost never — the vast majority come with the steering wheel on the right
- Are all JDM cars right hand drive? Yes, because Japan drives on the left side of the road
- Right hand drive vehicles are legal to own and register in most US states
- Vehicles 25 years or older can be imported to the US without meeting current federal safety standards
- Always confirm the steering configuration in writing before purchasing any JDM import
What does "JDM" actually mean?
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. These are vehicles that were built and sold specifically in Japan — not the export versions sent to North America or Europe, which often had different engines, specs, or safety features.
Because Japan drives on the left side of the road, all vehicles built for that market have the steering wheel on the right. This is called right hand drive (RHD), and it is the standard for JDM cars, just as it is in the UK and Australia. So when people ask "are JDM cars left hand drive," the answer is almost always no.
The rare cases where JDM cars are left hand drive
The overwhelming majority of JDM vehicles are right hand drive. Japan has driven on the left side of the road for over a century, so right hand drive became the permanent standard for all domestically produced vehicles.
The exception worth knowing about is the small category of European vehicles — think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Volkswagen — that were officially imported and sold in Japan in left hand drive. These show up occasionally in JDM inventories and are equally legal to own and register in the US.
When should you be concerned?
Right hand drive takes about a week to feel natural for most people. The controls are identical; only your spatial reference shifts.
The adjustment period is real. Passing on two-lane roads and navigating drive-throughs takes some getting used to. Test drive before committing — that's the only way to know if it clicks for you.
Where buyers run into issues is skipping the paperwork. Most states allow right hand drive registration without restrictions, but a handful have additional steps. Check your state's DMV website before you buy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all imported Japanese vehicles are the same — a JDM car is specifically a domestic-market vehicle, not just any Japanese-made car
- Not asking the dealer upfront whether the vehicle is left hand drive or right hand drive
- Skipping a review of your state's registration rules for RHD vehicles
- Overlooking the NHTSA 25-year import rule — vehicles under 25 years old face additional compliance requirements
What to do next
Before anything else, ask the dealer to confirm the steering configuration in writing and send interior photos. If they hesitate, that tells you something.
Check your state's DMV website for RHD registration requirements. Most states are straightforward, but five minutes of confirmation beats finding out at the counter.
JDM Drive sources every vehicle directly from Japan, provides full inspection reports, and will answer every import or registration question before you put down a deposit.
The bottom line on JDM and steering configuration
Most JDM cars are right hand drive. Millions of US drivers own and daily-drive them without a second thought — and after the first week behind the wheel, most wonder what they were worried about.
Know what you're buying. Confirm the specs upfront. Work with a dealer who is transparent from the start. Everything else falls into place.
Ready to find your JDM vehicle?
If you are unsure whether a specific model is left hand drive or right hand drive, or if you have questions about importing, registration, or what to expect as a first-time buyer, the team at JDM Drive can help you understand your options and recommend the right next steps.
Contact us for more information !