In Rwanda, where all vehicles are required to have the steering wheel on the left-hand side, some imported used cars originally built as right-hand drive are being converted and unsuspecting buyers may purchase them without realizing they’ve been altered. ALSO READ: Which right-hand drive vehicles are allowed registration in Rwanda? While many of these vehicles are converted from right-hand drive (RHD) to left-hand drive (LHD), identifying a converted car isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes, the transformation can compromise safety, performance, and value. According to auto experts, a well-done conversion involves far more than shifting the steering wheel from one side to another. If not done properly, the conversion might pose safety risks. ALSO READ: Rwanda hands over five stolen cars to South Africa Conversion is a complex mechanical and electrical overhaul that demands precision, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the car’s structural design. “Converting a vehicle from right-hand to left-hand drive changes more than just appearance,” explained Junior Munyororo, Chief Mechanic at Garage ATECAR. “It affects the electronics, the steering rack, and the stability of the vehicle. Once converted, the car often loses its original balance and driving dynamics.” ALSO READ: Spike in vehicle ownership reflects Rwanda’s growing prosperity, but poses new challenges The process of conversion typically involves reworking critical components, including the dashboard, steering rack, wiring harness, wiper motor, pedals, brake and clutch master cylinders, air conditioning ducts, and even the handbrake and ignition systems. In a proper conversion, these components are repositioned or replaced with left-hand drive equivalents to align with the driver’s new position. But when done poorly, the results can be telling. Common indicators include windshield wipers that sweep in the wrong direction, master window controls located on the passenger’s side, gear selectors or ignition keys that feel misplaced, or air conditioning vents that blow unevenly. In some conversions, the glove box, exhaust system, and even the fuel tank may be found on the opposite side compared to the original design. “If you look closely, some converted vehicles have the hanger handle positioned near the driver’s door instead of the passenger’s door, a clear sign of alteration,” noted Ndikubwimana Erie of Auto Korea Maintenance Ltd in Gikondo. “Even the smallest detail, like how the wipers rest, can expose a conversion.” Mechanics caution that while some conversions appear seamless, the risks are often hidden beneath the dashboard. Improperly adjusted pedals, misaligned steering brackets, and tampered wiring can all contribute to serious safety issues. “The car pedals are welded or bent to fit the new layout,” said Munyororo, “and this makes braking unreliable.” Sylvestre Karemera, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rwanda Polytechnic Kigali Campus, said such conversions not only alter the car’s structure but can also reduce its strength and carrying capacity. “When a car is converted, it loses its original engineering integrity,” Karemera explained. “A vehicle that was originally designed to carry eight tonnes might only manage four after conversion, because of weakened joints and modified structural components. Even the airbag system and wiring may no longer function as intended.” ALSO READ: Akagera Business Group and NCBA Bank deal enables easier and more affordable car ownership Right-hand drive vehicles are significantly cheaper on the international market. According to October 12 data from Be Forward, a major exporter of used Japanese cars, a left-hand drive 2019 Toyota RAV4 may cost around Rwf31 million, while its right-hand drive equivalent can go for Rwf23 million. Older RHD models, such as a 2003 RAV4, might sell for as low as Rwf5.5 million, while a LHD may go for nearly double the price. Karemera further explained that RHD vehicles are generally cheaper because they are produced and sold in larger numbers worldwide. However, this often comes with mechanical and safety compromises compared to LHD versions. In Rwanda, left-hand drive remains the legal standard in line with the country’s right-hand traffic system. However, a road traffic bill currently before Parliament introduces limited exceptions for specific RHD vehicles to operate in the country. These include vehicles designed for persons with disabilities, heavy-duty trucks above 20 tonnes, cross-border passenger buses, agricultural or construction vehicles, and tourist or transit vehicles temporarily operating in the country. Converting an RHD car to LHD, when done correctly can cost between Rwf2.8 million and Rwf 21 Million, depending on the model and complexity. ALSO READ: Over 100 vintage cars expected at Kigali Auto show “It’s always safer and more economical in the long run to buy a factory-made left-hand drive car than a converted one,” Karemera advised. “Conversions might seem cheaper at first, but they can turn into a mechanical nightmare later.” While expert inspection remains the surest method, visual clues that can help buyers identify a conversion. Wipers that stop in front of the driver's seat instead of the passenger's seat, reversed control panels, oddly aligned dashboards, or asymmetric mirror angles are red flags. The position of the battery, exhaust, or fuel tank can also give hints of a modification. ALSO READ: Inside surge in hybrid cars in Rwanda’s automotive market Still, some conversions are so well-executed that even trained eyes may struggle to detect them without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check. “The VIN is the car’s DNA,” said Karemera. “It tells you where the car was built, which market it was meant for, and whether it was originally right or left-hand drive. A quick VIN check can save you from future problems.” At first glance, a converted car might seem like a smart bargain; affordable and functional. But beneath the surface, a poor conversion can endanger the driver, passengers, and other road users. “A car is not just a machine you can rearrange casually,” said Munyororo. “Every part is designed for balance, safety, and performance. Once that balance is broken, no amount of paint or polish can restore it.”
