Stay Informed and Stay Involved!
Report from Great Britain
After the report from Japan I decided to investigate Britain's track record since that country not only imports LHD but also is tied by tunnel to France where LHD units are driven.
First I checked the accident Statistics for the country
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/pdf/dft_transstats_pdf_612744.pdf
and once again there is no classification for LHD units vs. RHD units. Accidents once again are attributed to the drivers rather than where the steering wheel is located.
Next I checked for registering a LHD unit in Great Britain:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_506867-02.hcsp#TopOfPage
Left hand traffic
If your vehicle is left hand drive, it will probably need to be modified or adjusted for use in left-hand traffic. In particular:
Headlamps will need to be replaced or adjusted to produce the required dipped beam for left-hand traffic. The alignment requirement must be met without the use of masks, beam converters or adapters unless they are an integral part of an approved headlamp.
For vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1980, at least one rear fog light must be fitted on the centre-line or the offside of the vehicle.
Rear view mirrors must give the required field of view for use in left-hand traffic
Next I checked the insurance rates for the LHD units in Great Britain vs. the RHD units:
None of the insurance companies I contacted had different rates for LHD or RHD units of the same make and model.
What was very interesting is Great Britain has a 10 year importation regulation compared to our present 15 year restriction.
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