On mountain roads, which vehicle has the right-of-way when two vehicles meet on a hill?

• A. The vehicle facing downhill has more control when backing up the hill.
• B. The vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way.
• C. Both have equal right-of-way.
• D. Neither has right-of-way until the other yields.

Answer: (B)

When two vehicles meet on a hill on a mountain road, the vehicle moving uphill has the right-of-way. Backing a vehicle down a steep grade is much harder and riskier than continuing uphill, because gravity makes it harder to control speed and steering. The downhill driver should yield by backing up to a safe turnout or letting the uphill vehicle pass, if possible. This prioritizes safer handling on a slope and avoids a dangerous standoff. The idea that both have equal right-of-way isn’t safe on limited-sight, narrow grades, and the notion that the downhill vehicle has more control when backing up isn’t accurate.