Left-Hand Drive vs Right-Hand Drive: which vehicle for which country?
LHD or RHD: understand steering side before buying an ex-army vehicle for export.
Why is the steering side an essential criterion?
When you buy a used military vehicle to export to Africa, the steering side is one of the first criteria to check. A mistake on this point can make the vehicle illegal or practically unusable in the destination country.
The steering side (LHD for Left-Hand Drive = steering wheel on the left, RHD for Right-Hand Drive = steering wheel on the right) determines which side the driver sits on, and must match the direction of traffic in the importing country.
General rule:
- Countries that drive on the right → LHD vehicle (driver on the left)
- Countries that drive on the left → RHD vehicle (driver on the right)
African countries: LHD or RHD?
The majority of African countries drive on the right and require LHD vehicles. But a significant number of English-speaking countries — a legacy of British colonisation — drive on the left.
LHD African countries (drive on the right):
Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Gabon, Togo, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, Madagascar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Comoros, Djibouti.
RHD African countries (drive on the left):
South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria.
Nigeria's special case: Nigeria drives on the right (like its neighbours Benin and Cameroon), so LHD is required, despite the common assumption based on its British past.
Warning: always check the current regulation before any transaction, as some countries have changed their rules.
Lys Tout Terrain stock: mostly LHD
The vast majority of Lys Tout Terrain stock is LHD (left-hand drive), sourced from French, Belgian and continental European military surplus.
Our LHD vehicles are directly suitable for:
- All of French-speaking West Africa
- North Africa (Maghreb)
- Continental Europe
- Madagascar, Comoros, Djibouti
We also hold a limited stock of RHD vehicles, mainly Land Rover Defenders from the British army, suited to East African and Southern African markets.
Each vehicle listing clearly states the steering side (LHD or RHD) in the technical sheet.
Can you convert LHD to RHD (or vice versa)?
Converting a vehicle from LHD to RHD is technically possible but not recommended for military vehicles.
Reasons:
- Very high cost: between €3,000 and €10,000 depending on the model
- Modification of the steering column, dashboard, pedal box, gearbox (on some models)
- Impact on resale value
- Risk of non-homologation in the destination country
- Increased mechanical complexity
Our recommendation: Always source a vehicle in the right configuration from the outset. At Lys Tout Terrain, we can help you identify vehicles available in the required steering side, or point you to alternative sources for RHD markets.
Frequently asked questions
How can you check if a military vehicle is LHD or RHD?
The steering side is shown in each vehicle's technical sheet (LHD = Left-Hand Drive = steering wheel on the left, RHD = Right-Hand Drive = steering wheel on the right). You can also check visually: if the steering wheel is on the left, it's LHD. On Lys Tout Terrain vehicles, this information is always provided.
Can you import an LHD vehicle into South Africa?
South Africa drives on the left and normally requires RHD vehicles. Importing an LHD vehicle is possible but complicated and may be refused or subject to extra taxes. We recommend buying an RHD vehicle for this market.
What is the price difference between LHD and RHD?
Military RHD vehicles are rarer as they come mainly from the British armies. They generally have a slightly higher value at equivalent specification. However, on the English-speaking African market, an RHD vehicle sells better because it matches local regulations.
Need personal advice?
Our team answers all your questions about buying and exporting military vehicles.