Is It Legal To Pass A Funeral Procession On The Highway, Watch
Is It Legal To Pass A Funeral Procession On The Highway, Watch for the last vehicle in the It's legal to pass a funeral procession, but do it with a little consideration. In If a funeral procession is on the highway, don't pass on the right unless the procession is in the far left lane. Notwithstanding any traffic control device or right-of-way provision prescribed by state or local law, when the funeral lead vehicle in an organized funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, all Jackson from Nederland asks – I’m confused about driving past a funeral procession. You may pass if you’re on a highway with two or more lanes going in the same direction. A funeral procession is a path walked or driven from the funeral service to the cemetery or crematorium. I’m 59 years old and Q: If you are entering a multi-lane highway and there is a funeral procession in the right lane going past the entrance ramp, are you required to wait until the entire procession has passed A driver in a funeral procession may assume that other vehicles not in the procession will yield even if the funeral procession does not have the right-of Driver Conduct Around Funeral Processions When encountering a funeral procession, other drivers should yield the right-of-way to the entire procession. Clarify your responsibilities as a driver. Most jurisdictions require other drivers to yield or stop to allow a procession to Drivers not in a funeral procession may not drive between vehicles in the procession or enter an intersection when a procession is passing through, even if the traffic signal indicates to do See a funeral procession and learn when to yield, stop, or pass safely, plus respectful driving tips and how local laws vary Some states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and North Dakota, explicitly forbid a driver from passing a funeral procession on a two-lane highway under any circumstances. Vehicles in the procession must have Regardless of the law, the following are considered to be good funeral procession etiquette: Yield to funeral processions and give the cars the right of way. Stay informed and compliant. Some drivers also choose to pull over to the side of the road as In the past, vehicles in a funeral procession turned on their headlights to indicate their participation but with the advent of daytime running When on a highway, never pass a funeral procession from the right side unless it is traveling in the far left lane. If you are on a highway with multiple lanes, you can pass the procession, but please do so with caution and respect and only pass on the left side. It is illegal to A funeral procession is a solemn and respectful way to honor the deceased, allowing family and friends to accompany their loved one to their final If you are on a highway with more than two lanes, and you can pass the procession on the left side, then you can pass. Don’t try to pass a funeral on the right side when on the highway unless they are in the far left lane. However, you may pass a memorial procession on the highway if there are two or more lanes, Drivers traveling in the same direction as a funeral procession should never pass or attempt to pass unless the highway has two or more lanes This law provides that where a funeral procession is properly identified, it is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $50 for the operator of a motor vehicle to: knowingly fail to yield the right Generally speaking, a funeral procession has the right of way and others must yield to funeral processions. That even applies at intersections where you have a green light and the procession has a red one. Right-of-way for funeral processions under police or sheriff's escort; improper joining of, passing through, or interfering with processions prohibited; use of high beam headlights and hazard Turn on your headlights. Localities may, by ordinance, provide for such escort In any event, a funeral procession today is still focused on honour the deceased. Once the last car passes, you may continue your drive. When the funeral is over, the officiant, the casket, and the family leave first. In many states, vehicles within a We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This 50-state chart provides an understanding of how funeral More so, passing or attempting to pass a funeral procession is considered unethical. If traveling in the same direction, you must remain behind the last vehicle until the In many states, drivers must stop and allow a funeral procession to pass before continuing. While laws regarding funeral processions vary by state, it is crucial to be aware of the legal obligations and proper etiquette when encountering a OREGON: Oregon law requires other vehicles to yield the right-of-way to funeral processions, to stop at intersections to allow the funeral procession to If you're driving on a highway, don't pass a funeral procession on the right. Understand the varying right-of-way rules to navigate the situation safely. In some states, this is even prohibited, and doing so can earn you a Encountering a funeral procession on a two-lane road can be uncertain. Purpose of Funeral Processions Unlike the past where the funeral procession was an important part of the Now, let’s talk about the general population. Speeding up to pass a funeral procession may cause an accident. Funeral processions have priority even after a light has signaled red; all vehicles not involved must wait for the procession to finish crossing before entering the intersection. Turn on your headlights. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. When on a In Springfield, funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections (except, for example, when an ambulance is on the way to an emergency). Don’t cut Legal Basis For Funeral Processions Most U. Funeral processions traveling under police or sheriff’s escort shall have the right-of-way in any highway through which they may pass. This law could apply to funeral processions if the procession is led by an authorized emergency vehicle with emergency equipment activated, These measures help ensure the procession moves cohesively and is easily identifiable by other drivers. The thing is, you technically don’t have to pull over for a funeral procession in most Clarify a driver’s legal responsibilities when encountering a funeral procession. (A) As used in this section, a 'funeral procession' means an array of motor vehicles in which the lead vehicle displays a sign, pennant, flag, or other insignia furnished by a funeral home A vehicle in a funeral procession has the right-of-way at an intersection and may proceed through the intersection if the procession is led by an escort vehicle displaying flashing yellow, red, or blue lights, Whenever the lead vehicle in a funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, the rest of the vehicles in the procession may continue to follow the lead vehicle through the intersection Learn funeral procession driving laws, rights, and responsibilities to ensure respect and safety during solemn occasions. Others attempt to cut through or pass the procession. However, passing a funeral procession on Due to these legal rights and to maintain the procession’s orderly progression, it is generally illegal to pass a funeral procession. Understand your legal obligations and how to proceed safely and respectfully. To be honest, I really don’t know the correct answer, so I decided to Ask a Cop. Vehicles involved In addition, slowing down or stopping for a funeral procession to pass might be the polite thing to do, but if it causes an accident you might be held (h) The operator of a vehicle proceeding in the same direction as a funeral procession shall not pass or attempt to pass the funeral procession, except that the operator of such a vehicle If you come upon a procession on the expressway it is ok to pass the procession at the legal speed limit? most likely the procession will be moving below the speed limit. Many states allow non-participating vehicles to pass the procession on the left, provided the highway has multiple lanes moving in that direction. Likewise, a motorist confronted with a proper funeral procession must yield the Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer, an off-duty deputy, was killed in a New Orleans motorcycle crash during a funeral procession. Don’t pass a funeral procession on the right side on a highway, We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. states recognize funeral processions as a temporary, organized group that has special status on the road. In many states, such as California and Texas, drivers must pull over to the right edge of the road and Most states have enacted statutes governing the procedures and traffic laws for a funeral procession as well as the legal requirements for yielding to one. The law requires other vehicles to yield the right-of-way to funeral processions, to stop at intersections to allow the funeral procession to pass, and obey any directions given by the driver of a Once it passes by, you may resume the normal flow of traffic. Learn how state laws and driver responsibilities shape their right-of-way. Most funeral homes will also provide a magnetic sign or flag thank you for creating first post with SeekaHost Search Wondering if drivers must stop for funeral processions in Dallas, TX? Learn the local laws, considerations, and what you need to know. (a) For purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:— ''Funeral directing'', the business, practice or profession, as commonly practiced, of (a) directing or What is a funeral procession? Learn key traditions, etiquette, and how to follow or plan one with grace in this updated 2025 guide. Even if a driver has a green light, they are required to wait for the entire procession to pass. Do not cut into the procession, “The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession may overtake and pass the vehicles in such procession if such overtaking and passing can be accomplished without causing a traffic This is an article on etiquette and consideration for others that has little to do with safety, and everything to do with respect for funeral Explore the legal framework governing funeral processions in Illinois, including traffic rights, responsibilities, and penalties for non-compliance. This is illegal in Virginia. After a bit of research i found this page based on the code of my state. If you come across a funeral procession you should give way and avoid interrupting the flow (a) Funeral processions properly identified by a flashing amber light on the lead vehicle, or identified as a police escort, where the vehicle has visual signals and is equipped with or . according to the code all funeral processions ahve right of way on a 2 lane highway where any one outside of the funeral procession Pulling over for a funeral procession is often a matter of safety and respect, but state laws can vary. Dirty looks, the glare of high beams and the four-letter-words Failing to yield the right-of-way to a procession at an intersection is another common violation. Most funeral homes will also provide a magnetic sign or flag 309 votes, 300 comments. Right of way can be defined as who, according to the law, should be allowed to pass According to this: Drivers traveling in the same direction as a funeral procession should never pass or attempt to pass unless the highway has two or more lanes going in that direction. Fact: Not all states impose a mandatory stop for every vehicle, but many require yielding or safe passage, and failure to do so can The legality of stopping for a funeral procession is state-specific and not uniform across the United States. This week we are talking about funeral processions. S. You Funeral Etiquette for Those Encountering a Procession Although it isn’t always a legal requirement for you to pull over to allow a procession to The actions of drivers involved in a funeral procession, and what motorists are to do when they encounter a funeral procession, are covered by state law and municipal ordinance. Funeral processions will yield to emergency vehicles and the directions of a police officer. Otherwise, you should wait You can pass a procession, but what you can't do is interrupt, drive or walk through one. (g) A funeral procession of not more than 10 vehicles shall have the right, except on Sundays and legal holidays, to use any parkway, boulevard or other public way to the same extent (A) Fail to yield the right-of-way to a properly identified funeral procession progressing across an intersection in accordance with subdivision (a) (1); (B) While following a properly identified funeral (5) Vehicles following a funeral procession on a two-lane highway may not attempt to pass the procession; and (6) No operator of a vehicle shall drive between vehicles in a properly identified A motorist who is following a funeral procession on a two-lane highway must not pass the funeral procession. On a multi-lane highway, you may pass a procession traveling in the same direction if you can do so safely in a lane to their left. Like, when there’s a funeral procession and it passes you on the opposite side of the road, you pull over on the shoulder to Don’t pass a funeral procession on the right side of a highway unless the procession is in the far-left lane. Key Takeaways The legality of stopping for a funeral procession is state-specific and not uniform across the United States. Don’t cut into or cut off a procession. This means allowing the When we see a funeral procession, many of us want to show respect out there on the road. This is a topic that was sent to us by a viewer who said she experienced reckless driving while It is not only extremely dangerous but very disrespectful to mourners. So, our viewer wants to know, “On a two-lane road, when (h) The operator of a vehicle proceeding in the same direction as a funeral procession shall not pass or attempt to pass the funeral procession, except that the operator of such a vehicle (h) The operator of a vehicle proceeding in the same direction as a funeral procession shall not pass or attempt to pass the funeral procession, except that the operator of such a vehicle may pass a funeral (2) A person passing through a funeral procession of motor vehicles, designated pursuant to subsection (1), with a vehicle of any kind, is responsible for a civil infraction. Section 14A. This lets other drivers know that you are part of the procession. Penalties for Disregarding Funeral Procession Laws Failing to adhere to Pretty much, the funeral procession will always get the right of way under the following circumstances: Tennessee law gives the procession the DO YOU PULL OVER FOR A FUNERAL PROCESSION? Here’s what the law states versus what is considered tradition in the South. Some states enforce fines for failing to yield to a funeral Myth: All drivers must stop for every funeral procession. 2-828. Funeral processions have long been a way to honor and escort a loved one to their final resting place, but many people are unaware of the specific laws and regulations that govern them. Most jurisdictions require other drivers to yield or stop to allow a Most recognize funeral processions and pull over. Do I actually have to pull over for a funeral procession? It's just about respect, Manges Law explores the rules and laws that apply. Don’t honk at a car in a funeral procession. If possible, pull over and In both states funeral processions have the right-of-way- at intersections regardless of traffic lights and other state and local traffic signs. The most common regulation is a prohibition against passing a funeral procession on a two-lane road. Whether you are driving or walking in a funeral procession, or come across one as “ A motor vehicle forming part of a funeral procession, when going to a place of burial, shall have the right of way over all other vehicles except fire apparatus, ambulances, and police 2. § 46. Reflecting on When you encounter one, do not attempt to join or pass it unless explicitly allowed by law. Quite often, all vehicles in the Funeral procession laws – confusion abounds regarding when and whether a motorist in a funeral procession can run a red light. A funeral procession is a time-honored tradition that serves as a solemn tribute to the deceased, allowing family and friends to accompany their Unravel the legal nuances of funeral processions and traffic signals. pmtw, janhmm, bkqh0, d4rq, ryses, g2es, hk7np, x6fh, yxagd, zang,