In short
- It is a strict local rule to ride on the left side.
- The left side puts you right on the exposed cliff edge.
- This rule originally allowed truck drivers to see their outer tires.
In this article
When you bike the Death Road, your guide will enforce one critical rule: stay to the left. This puts you closest to sheer drops of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet). While it sounds terrifying, this traffic law has a very practical origin tied to the road's history.
Why do you drive on the left on the Death Road?
The rule forces downhill traffic to the left so drivers can look out their windows directly at their outer tires.
Historically, trucks driving down the narrow track needed precision to avoid falling. By driving on the left, the driver could lean out the window. This allowed them to see exactly how close their wheels were to the cliff edge.
Is the left-side rule still enforced today?
Yes, cyclists and all remaining vehicles must still ride on the left.
A modern bypass opened in 2006, removing over 90% of the traffic. However, the rule remains for everyone on the old route. Your guides will remind you constantly to stay left. Uphill vehicles take the right side against the solid rock wall.
How close do you get to the cliff edge?
Riding on the left puts you within a few feet of sheer drops reaching up to 600 meters (2,000 feet).
The road is narrow and entirely unpaved. As you navigate the cliffside switchbacks, keeping left means you are always on the exposed side. You must maintain a safe distance between yourself and other riders on these narrow gravel corners.
Are there still cars on the road?
Yes, but traffic is very light since the 2006 bypass opened.
You will still encounter occasional local vehicles, tour support vans, and other cyclists. Because the road is shared and features blind corners, sticking strictly to the left is essential for avoiding head-on collisions.
What happens on the paved sections?
The first 20 kilometers of the descent are on a paved highway shared with normal traffic.
Your ride begins at La Cumbre pass at 4,650 meters (15,250 ft). This upper asphalt section follows standard Bolivian traffic rules, meaning you ride on the right. The left-side rule only begins once you reach the dirt track at the Unduavi Checkpoint.
How do you stay safe riding on the left?
Follow your guide's instructions and never use your phone or camera while moving.
Do not attempt to race or ride recklessly near the edge. If you want to take photos of the gorge, pull over completely to a safe spot. Keeping your focus on the gravel path is crucial when riding on the left side.
Questions travellers ask
Is Death Road the only left-side road in Bolivia?
Yes. It is the only road in the entire country that officially requires traffic to drive on the left-hand side.
Do tour support vans also drive on the left?
Yes. Your support van will follow the same left-side rule as they track your group down the dirt sections of the route.
Will I have to pass uphill traffic?
Occasionally. When you encounter a vehicle coming up, they will take the right side against the rock wall. You must carefully pass them on the left cliff side.
