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, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). 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