Which Vehicle Has the Right of Way When Meeting on a Cliffside Road?
2 Answers
The vehicle on the side without the mountain has the right of way as it faces the cliff and is in greater danger. Conversely, the side adjacent to the mountain is relatively safer. Here are relevant details: 1. Reason: Since the side without the mountain faces a cliff, any collision could cause the vehicle to plunge off the precipice, making it more hazardous than the mountain-side vehicle—hence it proceeds first. 2. Regulations: On roads without central barriers or centerlines, vehicles meeting from opposite directions must slow down, keep right, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. On obstructed road sections, the unobstructed vehicle proceeds first. However, if the obstructed vehicle has already entered the obstructed section while the unobstructed vehicle hasn't, the obstructed vehicle proceeds first. On narrow slopes, the ascending vehicle has the right of way, but if the descending vehicle is already midway while the ascending vehicle hasn't started climbing, the descending vehicle proceeds first. On narrow mountain roads, the vehicle on the side without the mountain proceeds first.
When driving on a narrow mountain road and encountering an oncoming vehicle near a cliff, I believe safety should always come first. The car closer to the cliff should have the right of way because if it is forced to stop or move, the risk of falling is too great—it could be fatal. Think about it: if the car closer to the mountain side moves first and accidentally slips, it could lead to a serious accident. That’s why I often remind others to drive slowly on such roads, honk or turn on hazard lights in advance to signal the other driver, letting them know you’re yielding to the car near the cliff. This isn’t just a rule—it’s a humane practice that reduces the chance of accidents and protects everyone’s safety. Normally, when going uphill, you should yield to downhill traffic for easier control, but near a cliff, priority shifts to the car closer to the edge.
