If you are trying to pass someone how far should you be from the top of a hill?

• A. 1000 feet
• B. 200 feet
• C. 500 feet
• D. 1 mile

Answer: (A)

Passing on a hill is all about having enough visibility to complete the maneuver safely before the road ahead becomes hidden by the crest. You want a clear view far enough ahead to see oncoming traffic and still have time to return to your lane before you reach the top of the hill. Using about 1000 feet of clear distance gives a conservative margin for judgment, acceleration, and reaction, reducing the risk if an oncoming vehicle appears or speeds vary. Shorter distances, like 200 or 500 feet, don’t provide enough sight distance or margin on cresting hills, while 1 mile is more than necessary in typical situations and can unnecessarily slow traffic. So, the standard guideline is to have roughly 1000 feet of clear distance from the top of the hill before attempting a pass.