Which side should yield when driving uphill or downhill?
1 Answers
According to Article 48, Paragraph 3 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": On narrow slopes, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way; if the downhill vehicle has already entered the slope while the uphill vehicle hasn't started ascending, the downhill vehicle proceeds first. This considers that vehicles going uphill are more prone to stalling, which may lead to traffic accidents. Detailed explanation below: There are two scenarios when vehicles meet on slopes: 1. Principle of yielding on slopes: When both uphill and downhill vehicles are at opposite ends of the slope - if the downhill vehicle goes first, its faster speed may create driving hazards. If the uphill vehicle proceeds first, any potential accident would be less severe. 2. When both vehicles are midway on the slope: If the uphill vehicle stops to yield, manual transmission vehicles are particularly susceptible to stalling and rolling back, potentially causing accidents. This is because uphill vehicles must overcome slope resistance by applying more throttle to generate greater engine power and traction for climbing. Conversely, if the downhill vehicle yields, the situation becomes much simpler as downhill vehicles can easily brake midway to descend safely.
