Should Uphill or Downhill Traffic Yield on Slopes?
4 Answers
According to Article 48, Paragraph 3 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, the following provisions are introduced: 1. Provision One: On narrow slopes, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way. However, if the downhill vehicle has already entered the slope while the uphill vehicle hasn't started ascending, the uphill vehicle should yield to the downhill vehicle. 2. Provision Two: Considering that vehicles going uphill are prone to stalling, which may lead to traffic accidents. Precautions for downhill driving are as follows: 1. Precaution One: Use low gears like first or second gear when going uphill, rather than flooring the accelerator. 2. Precaution Two: Avoid sudden steering on downhill sections, as the high inertia and speed combined with improper steering can easily cause rollovers. 3. Precaution Three: When encountering short and gentle uphill slopes, observe the slope and traffic conditions. If the road is wide and flat with no hazards on either side, you can shift to a lower gear about 100m in advance and accelerate to climb the slope. 4. Precaution Four: If there is another uphill slope after a downhill section, prepare to climb the next slope as you approach the bottom by releasing the brake pedal in time and shifting to a higher gear appropriately. 5. Precaution Five: When going uphill, maintain a safe distance of at least 30m between your vehicle and the one in front to prevent collisions in case of rollback. 6. Precaution Six: On narrow slopes, if there is a vehicle coming downhill ahead, choose a safe spot to stop and wait for the downhill vehicle to pass before proceeding uphill.
With over twenty years of driving experience, especially on mountain roads, I've learned that when going uphill, you must always yield to downhill traffic. Downhill vehicles move faster, require longer braking distances, and have greater momentum—making accidents far more severe. I remember once on a Yunnan mountain road when I encountered a downhill vehicle while ascending; I immediately pulled over to let it pass, avoiding a potential rear-end collision. This practice is especially crucial at night or during rain when visibility is poor—flashing your lights as a signal adds an extra layer of safety. Never take chances; make yielding a habit to prevent unnecessary trouble. On steep slopes, identify safe passing spots in advance and wait there—safety first is an ironclad rule. This principle applies to all roads and should be remembered by both novice and experienced drivers to avoid sudden, dangerous braking.
As a new driver who just got my license, my instructor repeatedly emphasized during lessons: 'Uphill yields to downhill.' On my first self-drive trip to the mountains, when I saw a downhill car suddenly brake and skid, I truly understood why the rule prioritizes protecting downhill vehicles. Downhill cars have gravity acceleration and harder braking, so now I proactively pull over to yield when going uphill. A light horn tap or headlight flash works well to signal. Extra caution is needed at curves - I've learned to slow down early and observe. On rainy days when roads are slippery, I leave longer yielding distance. Developing this habit has made my driving more composed and reduced collision risks. I remember that time on suburban mountain roads when I yielded to a downhill car - the driver waved in thanks, which felt really nice.
From the perspective of traffic rules, vehicles going uphill must yield to those going downhill—this is a fundamental driving principle. Downhill vehicles have kinetic energy advantages, greater braking system loads, and higher safety risks. This point was explicitly stated in my driving test. In actual driving, if I encounter a downhill vehicle while ascending, I immediately stop to let it pass. Choosing a flatter spot to meet avoids conflicts on steep slopes. Using headlights for signaling at night provides extra safety. Regularly checking rearview mirrors helps predict incoming traffic. This rule is simple, practical, and applicable to various road conditions, helping everyone maintain smooth and safe driving.
