Narrow hill road: who should reverse?

On a steep or mountain road where two vehicles cannot pass, the driver travelling downhill generally stops and moves as far right as possible or uses a passing place. If the uphill driver has a passing place and otherwise a vehicle would need to reverse, the uphill driver must stop there. If reversing is still needed, the Code sets an order by vehicle type.

When the road is obstructed

If roadworks, a stopped vehicle or another obstacle prevents two vehicles from passing, the driver whose direction is obstructed and who cannot keep close to the right edge must stop to let oncoming traffic pass. Do not rush towards the narrow section. Check where each vehicle can wait safely.

The rule on a steep slope

On a mountain road or a steep slope, when passing is difficult or impossible, the downhill driver must stop and move as far right as possible or use a passing place. There is a specific exception: if the uphill driver has a passing place and the road is so narrow that otherwise reversing would be necessary, that driver must stop at the place.

If one vehicle has to reverse

Article 150 gives priority for reversing to vehicle combinations over other vehicles; vehicles over 3.5 tonnes maximum laden mass over those up to 3.5 tonnes; and buses over trucks. If both vehicles are in the same category, normally the downhill vehicle reverses. It is the uphill vehicle’s turn if it is clearly easier for it, for example because it is close to a passing place. Reverse slowly after checking behind.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale can help you practise priority rules and their exceptions. Learn reversing manoeuvres with an instructor in a suitable place.

For more detail, read Hazard signs: what do the triangles mean?.

For another practical example, see Italian category B road test: driving on a long uphill or downhill road.