Is it safe to pull over for a funeral procession?
If it is safe for you to slow to a stop or pull to the road shoulder when a funeral procession passes, go ahead. If the traffic conditions do not seem appropriate to stop on the shoulder, or traffic is moving too fast to safely stop, then do not attempt to do so.
Do funeral processions have the right-of-way?
And laws in Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana and North Dakota give funeral processions the right-of-way at all intersections, implying processions can run red lights and drive through stop signs. So what do you do if you see a funeral procession approaching an intersection and you aren't sure of the local rules?
Can a driver break through the ranks of a funeral procession?
Section 88 of Alberta’s Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation states that a driver can’t “break through the ranks” of a funeral procession or parade. “It does happen, but I think it’s usually a matter of education,” Taylor says.
Do you need a permit for a funeral procession?
In most states, funeral processions do not need a permit. Instead, the lead car, typically a black sedan, will display two funeral flags. Funeral flags are plain white flags that indicate to other motorists that a funeral procession is taking place.
What is the protocol for a funeral procession?
If You are Driving In a Funeral Procession. When the funeral service is over, the officiant, the casket, and the family members leave first. The casket is placed in the hearse, which then leads the procession. Immediate family members follow the hearse and remaining mourners then follow the family.
What should a driver do when a funeral procession is near?
Driving 101: What To Do When You See a Funeral ProcessionLet the entire procession go through intersections, even if they have a red light and you don't.Don't cut into a procession or cut off the lead vehicle. ... Don't honk your horn.More items...•
Why do Southerners pull over for a funeral procession?
Not only is it polite to let a grieving family make their way from the funeral home to the burial site, but in many states, it's the law. While the specific rules vary state by state, in most states, funeral processions always have the right of way in traffic, save for emergency vehicles.
Is it rude to pass a funeral procession?
Most recognize this as a funeral procession and pull over, affording it the respect it deserves. Others seem to pay no mind and, in a hurry to get somewhere, attempt to cut through the procession. This is disrespectful to the family, dangerous, and –in Virginia– illegal.
Do you have to give way to funeral cars?
Although there's no law that says that you have to give way to a funeral procession on the road, a little etiquette is a matter of good sense. If you are driving and see a hearse and funeral car up ahead, be aware that there could be a number of mourners following it in their own cars.
Is it rude to pass a hearse?
Motor vehicle laws regarding funeral processions vary by state, but good manners don't. If you come upon a hearse leading a funeral procession while you're on the road, be considerate and polite: Yield the right of way. Just as you would defer to an emergency vehicle, you should do the same for a funeral procession.
Do you have to pull over for a funeral procession in California?
CALIFORNIA: The only law California has regarding funeral processions prohibits anyone from disregarding any traffic signal or direction given by a peace officer in uniform authorized to escort a procession.
Do you have to pull over for a funeral procession in Florida?
During a funeral procession whether the procession has a law enforcement escort or not by Florida law you are required to yield the right of way to not only the beginning of the procession but the entire procession.
Can you go through red lights in a funeral procession?
Only one state, Nevada, specifically allows the lead or escort vehicle in a funeral procession to go through a red light. Five states, Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, and North Dakota, grant funeral processions the right-of-way at intersections without regard to any traffic control signal.
Why do funeral cars drive slow?
Firstly, why do funeral corteges drive so slow? According to Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc, the slow speed is in place for two reasons. Firstly, it emulates the slow, somber march of traditional funeral processions. Secondly, it prevents other drivers on the road from separating the group.
Do funeral cars take you to the wake?
Does the limousine(s) take you home or to the wake after the funeral? Yes, the limousine(s) will take you to the funeral and then onto wherever you wish to go, within the local area.
Can you drive in the lane next to a funeral procession?
All vehicles in the procession must have their headlights lit, and their emergency lights flashing and must be as closely spaced as safely possible. Other vehicles may not drive between, join, pass on a two-lane road, or cross the path of vehicles in a funeral procession.
Are you supposed to pull over for a funeral?
There is no legal requirement for you to stop for a funeral procession. However, if the lead car has passed a red light, all other cars may follow,...
Can a funeral procession run red lights U.K.?
In the U.K., funeral processions aren't exempt from red lights. The lead car must follow all traffic rules. However the cars following may run red...
Why do you pull over for a funeral procession?
When a funeral procession is passing, you pull over as a sign of respect for the mourning family and for the dead. Traditionally, you are showing t...
Is it disrespectful to pass a funeral procession?
You should try to make a point of not passing funeral processions. However, if you really must, don't honk or cut off the procession. Furthermore,...
Who has the right-of-way in a funeral procession?
While the laws vary in every state, many local traffic ordinances give funeral processions the right-of-way. If you're not sure what the laws are i...
Can a police escort pass through an intersection in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, only processions led by a police escort can pass through intersections that would otherwise require them to stop. Luckily, there's an easy way to resolve any confusion about funeral processions regardless of what state you're in and it all boils down to good manners.
Is it illegal to cut through a funeral procession in Alabama?
For instance, while Alabama has no rules governing funeral processions at all, the city of Birmingham has made it illegal to cut through a procession. In Georgia, the lead vehicle of a funeral procession must be marked with a flag or other sign and each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights on.
Do funeral procession drivers have the right of way?
While the specific rules vary state by state, in most states, funeral processions always have the right of way in traffic, save for emergency vehicles. In fact, in many states, police officers can ticket drivers who cut through a funeral procession.
Can funeral procession be confusing?
Funeral processions can be confusing for drivers who encounter them on the road. After all, it's unusual to run into a line of cars streaming through an intersection disregarding changing lights and stop signs.
Do you have to pull over for a funeral?
Most people these days know that it's important to pull over to make a phone call. Safety first and all! And, of course, drivers should always pull over for a funeral procession. Not only is it polite to let a grieving family make their way from the funeral home to the burial site, but in many states, it's the law.
What is followed by the hearse at a funeral?
Often, there is a lead vehicle (whether a funeral home vehicle, police car or motorcycle escort) followed by the hearse. A car carrying the deceased’s immediate family members will follow the hearse, which itself is followed by the rest of the cortege. Lead car. Hearse (with the casket) Immediate family. Other family.
Who leads the hearse at a funeral?
In some smaller provinces, or in the case that the cemetery is on the grounds of the funeral home (or very nearby), the funeral director may actually lead the hearse on foot.
Do funerals have right of way?
vary from state to state. For example, in Texas, there are no laws regarding funeral processions, although they traditionally have right-of-way at intersections . In Florida however, vehicles and pedestrians must yield right-of-way to funeral processions (unless they are emergency vehicles).
Do funeral procession lights have to be flashing?
Funeral Procession Lights. Depending on the state, there may be laws concerning whether the lead vehicle in a funeral procession should have lights flashing. Generally, all vehicles in the funeral procession should have their hazard lights on to distinguish themselves from other traffic.
Why is it important to give funeral processions the right of way?
While laws and traditions vary, it’s important to give funeral processions the right of way if you encounter them on the road. Allowing the family to get to their destination without incident is an easy way to offer peace in their time of need. Over the years, funeral processions adjusted to suit modern times.
What is funeral procession?
A funeral procession is the action of traveling with the casket to the final resting place, usually a cemetery or crematorium. In the past, people were commonly buried at churches, so there was no need to develop a particular form of travel around a casket.
How fast do funeral procession cars go?
However, it’s still a smart idea to drive with caution. Funeral processions usually stay at a speed between 35 - 55 miles per hour. This slower speed keeps the party together no matter the intersections.
Do funeral processions have to stop at intersections?
Funeral processions do have to stop at intersections except in Nevada. Otherwise, it’s important to still obey intersection traffic laws while in a funeral procession. The only exception to this is if the first car has already gone through the intersection.
Is it legal to pass a funeral procession?
As stated above, funeral processions generally have the right of way. This means it’s not legal to pass them if you’ll be cutting through the procession in any way. If the entire funeral procession is in the right lane, however, you can carefully pass. Again, be respectful on the road.
Do funerals need escorts?
Funeral processions do not legally need a police escort. Sometimes police voluntarily escort a funeral procession if it’s necessary. This keeps traffic safe and moving, especially in the case of a large funeral. Police escorts are also common for high-profile processions.
Do you have to pull over for a funeral?
This is especially true in the case of a military funeral where the hearse is escorted by police officers. While you don’t need to pull over for a funeral procession as you would for an emergency vehicle, you do need to give them the right of way. If you do choose to pull over, make sure you do so safely.
How to drive around a funeral procession?
Here are some good rules of thumb for driving around a funeral procession. Slow down and maintain a reasonable speed. Pull over only if safe to do so. Do not stop or brake unexpectedly. Law enforcement and emergency vehicles always take priority. Obey law officers directing traffic when present.
What would have happened if all vehicles in a funeral procession had to yield to?
All vehicles in a funeral procession would still have had to yield to: Local governments would have been allowed to impose reasonable fees to cover the cost of having law enforcement provide funeral escorts.
What would happen if the South Carolina funeral law was passed?
Effect on Others on the Road. If passed, the legislation would have required all others on the road to yield to and not interfere with a funeral procession unless directed to do so by law enforcement or when necessary to yield to emergency vehicles. But the legislation did not pass, so pulling over for a funeral procession in South Carolina remains ...
What department can direct traffic outside of a funeral home?
For instance, the local police department or sheriff’s department may direct traffic outside of a funeral home or at an intersection to prevent accidents and make sure that the entire motorcade can leave at the same time without creating undue hazards.
Should you stop on the shoulder during a funeral?
If the traffic conditions do not seem appropriate to stop on the shoulder, or traffic is moving too fast to safely stop, then do not attempt to do so. You should always use caution and expect the unexpected. 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 ...
Does South Carolina have right of way for funerals?
The South Carolina legislature adjourned without passing the legislation. The bill would have given funeral processions in South Carolina the right-of-way at intersections. Funeral processions escorted by law enforcement vehicles would have had the right-of-way at any street or highway through which they passed.
Do funerals have police escorts?
However, many funeral processions will have law enforcement escorts. Motorists do have to yield to law enforcement vehicles with flashing lights or officers who are directing traffic outside of large assemblies.