Which side L or R of a car is the steering wheel in the UK?

[olddriver]

I believe that when describing which side parts are on a UK vehicle, you stand in front of the car and look towards the front of the car, so the steering wheel is described as being on the left, is that correct?

Edit 1.  I am ordering parts from Japan, would they think the same way, their question is “steering wheel side”?

Edit 2 And I have to select “left” or “right”.

[Roy124]

Yes.  Except if you are describing it in the conventional way it is Right Hand Drive.

[Benzowner]

No, UK cars are right hand drive and European US etc are left hand drive

[olddriver]

3 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Yes.  Except if you are describing it in the conventional way it is Right Hand Drive.

I have edited my post, the question I need an answer to is what is the “steering wheel side”

[FROSTYBALLS]

It is whichever side the driver sits. So UK and Japanese market cars are RHD.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Just now, olddriver said:

I need an answer to is what is the “steering wheel side”

For UK cars the right answer is 'right'.

[olddriver]

1 minute ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

It is whichever side the driver sits. So UK and Japanese market cars are RHD.

I have edited my post, and what I need to know is the “steering wheel side”.

[FROSTYBALLS]

See my second post above.

[Mojo1010]

So if someone was standing in front of your car with u sitting on the driver seat (UK spec car), they say your steering wheel is on the left, I think you would tell them to bugger off?? 

[Bper]

Both the UK and Japan follow left hand traffic, meaning drivers sit on the right side of the car.

There's a general global standard for car part descriptions that assumes the viewpoint from outside the car, facing forward.

Therefore, when they ask steering wheel side, they likely mean the same side as you  the left side relative to the front of the car.

However, a quick confirmation wouldn't hurt. You could reply with something like:

Yes, the steering wheel is on the left side (driver's side) when facing the front of the car.

This clarifies any potential misunderstanding and ensures you're both on the same page.😄

[olddriver]

24 minutes ago, Bper said:

Both the UK and Japan follow left hand traffic, meaning drivers sit on the right side of the car.

There's a general global standard for car part descriptions that assumes the viewpoint from outside the car, facing forward.

Therefore, when they ask steering wheel side, they likely mean the same side as you  the left side relative to the front of the car.

However, a quick confirmation wouldn't hurt. You could reply with something like:

Yes, the steering wheel is on the left side (driver's side) when facing the front of the car.

This clarifies any potential misunderstanding and ensures you're both on the same page.😄

Thanks, I thought that was the case, eg the parts are not listed as an off side part, they are listed as a left hand part.

Haven’t quite decided on left or right yet, but there is a box where I can add “The car is RHD (right hand drive) and consequently the steering wheel is on the left when the car is viewed from the front.”

[Roy124]

Or right when viewed from the back

Or DIRECTION OF TRAVEL 

[flash22]

when it comes to parts it is specified from sitting in the driver's seat, no matter if it is RHD or LHD

when it comes to lights tho you have left and right for an RHD car it will be aiming left BUT you also get Right aiming lights for RHD cars for use in europe

[olddriver]

2 hours ago, flash22 said:

when it comes to parts it is specified from sitting in the driver's seat, no matter if it is RHD or LHD

That does sound less confusing than what I suggested, so maybe its changed as what I suggested was probably told to me around 40 years ago by a Hillman or Triumph dealership, the now nonexistent British motor manufacturers.

[Bper]

23 minutes ago, olddriver said:

That does sound less confusing than what I suggested, so maybe its changed as what I suggested was probably told to me around 40 years ago by a Hillman or Triumph dealership, the now nonexistent British motor manufacturers.

This is a bit ambiguous to say the least,this is information regarding the above online.

Independent standards: The UK has its own set of independent standards and regulations for the automotive industry, developed by organizations like the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the Department for Transport (DfT).

Alignment with SAE (partial): While the UK might partially align with some SAE recommendations, they are not automatically adopted as a whole.

Specific case of car part descriptions: The "outside, forward view" method for car part descriptions aligns with the general approach used in the UK as well. However, the UK doesn't necessarily need to explicitly "accept" this recommendation from SAE as it aligns with established practices.

While the UK might indirectly benefit from SAE's work and sometimes align with their recommendations, it doesn't mean they need to formally "accept" them.

The "outside, forward view" method for describing car parts is widely used in the UK and globally, regardless of its connection to SAE.

In summary, the UK has its own standards and regulations, and while the "outside, forward view" method for car part descriptions aligns with their practices, it isn't necessarily due to them "accepting" an SAE recommendation. It's more about a global industry standard being adopted by various countries, including the UK.

Personally to avoid any confusion send them a email before you order parts.

[olddriver]

2 hours ago, Bper said:

The "outside, forward view" method for describing car parts is widely used in the UK and globally, regardless of its connection to SAE.

Thanks very much for the detailed answer Bper, it was very good of you to spent the time.

[Rhymes with Paris]

Posted incorrectly.

 

[Mjolinor]

I have never heard of steering wheel side being specified any other way than form the driving seat position looking forward.

I am sure I owuld have if it actually is or was the case.

Seems pretty stupid way to do ti to me. Does that mean that my motorbikes have the clutch on the right handlebar? If I fall off today, I know who to blame, you lot baking my noodle with confusticated material.

[APS]

Likewise. Never ever heard of anyone using anything but the direction of travel as reference. L and R is unambiguous. I never use inside or outside as it changes depending on which side you drive and it is not a ubiquitous term.