Which side should yield when driving uphill or downhill?

[ChristopherAnn]

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.

[JaydenMarie]

I've been driving on highways for over thirty years and have encountered many situations where vehicles meet on slopes. Generally, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way, while the one going downhill should yield proactively. This rule isn't just a habit—it's a core safety principle. Starting on an uphill slope is challenging; even a slight lack of throttle can cause the car to roll back, especially on steep inclines. If forced to reverse, the risk of rear-wheel skidding increases, potentially leading to a collision with vehicles behind. In contrast, downhill vehicles have it easier—speed is more manageable with gentle braking, and stopping to yield isn’t difficult. I recall several instances on mountainous national roads where drivers would signal with hand gestures or flashes to avoid standoffs and accidents. This principle is also outlined in many driving manuals, ensuring not just smooth traffic flow but also preventing major mishaps from operational errors. Cultivating this habit saves time and effort, making driving safer and more reassuring.

[Dakota]

With twenty years of driving instruction under my belt, when students ask about right-of-way on steep slopes, I always emphasize: priority lies with the uphill vehicle. It boils down to physics and safety mechanisms. Gravity assists downhill vehicles in slowing or stopping easily, while uphill vehicles must overcome gravity—stopping and restarting risks loss of control or fuel wastage. In reality, disregarding this can trigger chain-reaction accidents—picture two cars on a narrow slope, deadlocked until a reversing collision occurs. Novices must train to read road conditions early, slowing down and signaling in advance. Practical driving involves frequent light alerts and adopting a right-side yielding strategy. This rule is globally standardized, rooted in early automotive hill-climb tests, optimized for life safety. Remember: proactive yielding isn’t weakness—it’s intelligent driving.

[SanAva]

When I first started learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the rule of yielding on slopes. Simply put, when encountering vehicles on a slope, the one going uphill has the right of way, while the one going downhill should yield. Why? Because starting a vehicle on an uphill slope requires more effort, and stopping and restarting is difficult, making it prone to rolling back; going downhill, on the other hand, is easier to control, and slowing down to yield is simpler. I've tried this several times myself on steep slopes in residential areas and unfamiliar roads, and following this rule has reduced conflicts. Now, as a habit, I slow down early and signal to avoid cutting in. Though a small rule, it holds great significance in promoting traffic harmony. New drivers mastering this can avoid a lot of trouble.