Community Push for Left-Hand-Drive Vehicles Rules to be Eased

A petition has been raised in the Legaislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory to lift the ban on left-hand-drive (LHD) cars less than 30 years old, with the goal of introducing more low- or zero-emissions vehicles to our roads.

As with most states and territories across Australia, vehicles in the ACT can only be registered if they are right-hand-drive (RHD) – but now there’s a push to ease the rules, potentially allowing dozens of new models not sold here to be brought into the country

Currently, the only LHD cars allowed are those older than 30 years, if it’s a prototype for testing, or if it’s owned by a diplomat or foreign entity (such as the US President’s Secret Service detail).

Only the Northern Territory allows for LHD vehicles of any age to be registered, due to the large number of US military personnel stationed there.

Other RHD countries, such as the UK and Japan, allow LHD cars to be registered – with LHD models from Germany considered somewhat of a status symbol. In New Zealand, LHD cars can be registered if they are considered enthusiast vehicles.

Those behind the petition say the LHD ban doesn’t make sense, given vehicles older than 30 years (or 25 years, in the case of Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and South Australia) are allowed on our roads – while newer cars can be fitted with 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking with junction assist.

However, those opposed to the change say it could increase the risk of accidents, as it’s more difficult to make an overtaking manoeuvre on single-lane roads – the most common type of road found in regional areas.

Launched by Peter Bakos – who owns two registered LHD Soviet-era Trabants from Hungary – the petition has received sponsorship from ACT member Peter Cain, who says there is more than one benefit to easing the laws.

“Permitting LHD vehicle registrations will encourage an acceleration of zero- and low-emission vehicles in the ACT and provide greater consumer choice for Canberrans,” Mr Cain wrote online.

Those interested in adding their name to the cause can find it on the ACT Parliament website by clicking here, with the petition closing on 29 May 2025.