Right-of-way and intersections
Two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow mountain road where neither can pass. Which vehicle must back up?
- The vehicle facing downhill; the vehicle going uphill has the right-of-way. Correct answer
- The vehicle facing uphill, because it is easier to roll back.
- Whichever vehicle is smaller.
Why
On a steep narrow road the rule is about control, not courtesy. The driver facing downhill has more control when backing up the hill, so it is the one that reverses until the other can get by; the right-of-way belongs to whoever is pointing uphill. Backing an uphill-facing vehicle down a grade means fighting gravity with the brakes and limited visibility. Size has nothing to do with it. On mountain roads also remember to sound your horn where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead, and to keep your headlights on even on sunny days.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is The vehicle facing downhill; the vehicle going uphill has the right-of-way.
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? › Mountain Roads, page 42
- Section 5. An Introduction to Driving › Signals, Horns, And Headlights › Using Your Horn, page 11
- Section 5. An Introduction to Driving › Signals, Horns, And Headlights › Using Your Headlights, page 11
The rule behind this one
Right of way in California: who goes first goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on right-of-way and intersections
- You are on a road that ends at a T intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs. Who has the right-of-way?
- You are inside a roundabout and realize you have just gone past the exit you wanted. What should you do?
- A funeral procession led by a traffic officer is crossing the intersection ahead of you. What are you required to do?
- A fire engine ahead of you has its siren and flashing lights on. How close behind it may you legally drive?