Is it legal to pass a funeral procession on the highway. Nov 2, 2013 · A: I...
Is it legal to pass a funeral procession on the highway. Nov 2, 2013 · A: It’s not possible for the law (RI General Laws, Chapter 31-52: Funeral Procession Act) to address every situation. This car is typically denoted with two or more funeral flags and flashing hazard lights. In Kentucky, the law regarding funeral processions fills up a pretty fat paragraph. " However, the operator of a motor vehicle may pass a funeral procession which is traveling in the right lane of a divided highway, multiple-lane highway, or interstate. Likewise, a motorist confronted with a proper funeral procession must yield the right of way and must not drive or attempt to drive in between the vehicles. Other states with funeral procession laws If a funeral procession is on the highway, don't pass on the right unless the procession is in the far left lane. Jan 1, 2025 · Funeral processions traveling under police or sheriff's escort shall have the right-of-way in any highway through which they may pass. (a) All vehicles in a funeral procession shall have the right-of-way at all intersections and on all roadways in the city, subject to the following conditions: Mar 21, 2023 · State law varies across the nation as to if and when drivers are required to yield to funeral processions. Funeral processions escorted by the police, a sheriff, or a sheriff’s deputy shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Accompanying the departed to their final resting place is a wonderful act of love and deserves the utmost respect. Localities may, by ordinance, provide for such escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of such service. 1, defines a funeral procession as “two or more vehicles accompanying the remains of a deceased person, or traveling to the church, chapel, or other When a funeral procession is in progress, a person driving a vehicle not in the procession shall not pass or overtake any vehicle in the procession unless: The person is directed to do so by a police or safety officer; The procession is on a street, road, or highway outside the corporate limits of city, town, or urban-county; or Dec 11, 2024 · Pretty much, the funeral procession will always get the right of way under the following circumstances: Tennessee law gives the procession the right-of-way if the lead vehicle has a flashing amber light or is led by a “properly identified” escort. Most states have passed laws to establish the traffic laws and procedures governing processions, and the legal requirements for yielding to such a convoy. Joe Cavaretta South Florida Sun Sentinel When encountering cars in a funeral procession, it can be confusing Nov 3, 2022 · Returning to the viewer’s question, “ On a two-lane road, when a funeral procession is coming toward you, do you have to pull over and stop?” No. Remember to be considerate and respectful when you have to wait on a funeral procession. Most jurisdictions require other drivers to yield or stop to allow a procession to pass, but the exact rules vary. Leave Plenty of Room After the Funeral Procession Has Passed Once the procession has passed, give it a few moments before you start driving. (1) 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 patrol vehicles at a street or highway intersection Mar 28, 2024 · (c) Funeral processions escorted by the police, a sheriff, or a sheriff's deputy shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Learn about funeral cortege traditions, laws, and etiquette. Jun 28, 2023 · The law could also apply if an authorized emergency vehicle blocks an intersection or roadway for a funeral procession, which would require all motorists to yield the right-of-way until signaled Mar 23, 2023 · North Carolina law, general statute 20-157. 654. Most often, the last car in a funeral procession must have its hazards on. 9-32-020 Regulations for vehicles. The tentative plan is to depart Fort Knox at approximately 2:00 pm. Sep 18, 2025 · 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. Jan 31, 2018 · 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 liable for injuries to victims. For instance, some states have statutes that explicitly grant processions the right-of-way and make it a traffic violation to interfere with them. Aug 1, 2018 · Funeral processions escorted by law enforcement vehicles would have had the right-of-way at any street or highway through which they passed. Approaching traffic does not stop or pull over. 4 days ago · The procession for Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington will take place Friday afternoon following the dignified transfer on Fort Knox. Jul 6, 2025 · A funeral procession must always yield the right-of-way to a police car, fire truck, or ambulance that is actively using its sirens or flashing emergency lights. Funeral processions--Right-of-way Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) As used in this section: (1) “ Funeral escort vehicle ” means a motor vehicle that leads or facilitates the movement of a funeral procession and is equipped as required by § 27-36-306 (a) (1), including without limitation: (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 displays an amber light accompanied by a blue light visible from the front of the vehicle, or led by a properly identified escort, shall have the right-of-way on any street, highway, or road through which they Mar 28, 2024 · (2) Join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way allowed by § 27-49-113 (c) (1); (3) Pass a funeral procession on a multiple-lane highway on the right side of the funeral procession unless the funeral procession is in the leftmost lane; or Jun 1, 2013 · Join a funeral procession to secure the right-of-way as granted by this chapter. Jul 20, 2021 · When on a highway, never pass a funeral procession from the right side unless it is traveling in the far left lane. (c) Funeral processions escorted by the police, a sheriff, or a sheriff's deputy shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5/11-1420 – Funeral processions Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates | Other versions (a) Funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections when vehicles comprising such procession have their headlights and hazard lights lighted, subject to the following conditions and exceptions: 1. Some states explicitly permit procession members to pass through red lights or stop signs after ensuring it is safe, while others require all vehicles approaching a red light to stop until the procession has passed. The rules for a procession aren't always clear, and it can lead to confused collisions and injury 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 show respect. A driver that collides with a vehicle in a funeral possession may be liable if the procession was going through an intersection was noticeable. Once it passes by, the normal flow of traffic may resume. Once the last car passes, you may continue your drive. When a funeral procession is in progress, a person driving a vehicle not in the procession shall not pass or overtake any vehicle in the procession unless: The person is directed to do so by a police or safety officer; The procession is on a street, road, or highway outside the corporate limits of city, town, or urban-county; or Apr 4, 2024 · Don’t honk your horn at a car in a funeral procession. Funeral processions traveling under police or sheriff's escort shall have the right-of-way in any highway through which they may pass. Funeral processions. For example, you cannot pass a funeral procession on roads like US 27 or Dixie Highway within the (B) While following a properly identified funeral procession along a two-lane street, road or highway, pass or attempt to pass a properly identified funeral procession; or (C) Drive or attempt to drive between the vehicles within a properly identified funeral procession. Learn your legal responsibilities as a driver to navigate the road safely and respectfully. C. Mar 21, 2025 · If the funeral procession has a police escort, drivers should pull over and stop for them to pass. Be respectful at all times. (1) 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 patrol vehicles at a street or highway intersection 3 days ago · Details have been announced on the arrival, procession, and funeral services for Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the 26-year-old Glendale soldier who died on March 8 from wounds sustained in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1. Another prohibited action is joining the procession if you are not part of the funeral. Distracted driver crashes, rear-end accidents of vehicles following the hearse, cross traffic collisions at intersections when they pass through a red light. Jan 1, 2025 · (2) Whenever the funeral escort vehicle or funeral lead vehicle in a funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, either by reason of a traffic control device or at the direction of law enforcement personnel, the remaining vehicles in the funeral procession may continue to follow the funeral lead vehicle through the intersection despite any traffic control device, general law or Jul 20, 2021 · Be patient and refer back to these rules of proper funeral procession etiquette. Not only is it disrespectful to attempt to join a funeral procession to gain the right of way, but it is illegal. If the funeral procession is in the right lane, there is no way to enter the Oct 27, 2025 · The lead vehicle typically signals the procession’s direction, and other drivers must yield the right of way. 654 Vehicles forming part of funeral procession; right-of-way; flags; passing through funeral procession with vehicle as civil infraction. When a funeral procession is in progress, a person driving a vehicle not in the procession shall not pass or overtake any vehicle in the procession unless: (a) The person is directed to do so by a police or safety officer; (b) The procession is on a street, road, or highway outside the corporate limits of a city, town, or urban-county; or (c § 20-157. That's in Massachusetts, by the way. 5 days ago · The downtown Elizabethtown Public Square, extending north on Dixie Highway to Mulberry Street Timing update for off-post procession The procession from Fort Knox to Elizabethtown is expected to Is running a red light while in a funeral procession legal? This chart covers funeral procession laws in all 50 states for motorists and insurers. Apr 18, 2025 · In the context of a funeral procession, there have been many accidents caused by the lead hearse running a red light, with the rest of the convoy following suit. Drivers are also prohibited from passing a funeral procession on a two-lane road. (2) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way when directed to do so by a traffic officer. Otherwise, you should wait for the procession to go by. Jul 3, 2014 · 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 pass, and obey any directions given by the Mar 27, 2017 · Attempting to pass a vehicle taking part in a funeral procession is unlawful unless a passing lane has been specifically provided. Apr 11, 2025 · thank you for creating first post with SeekaHost Search 5 days ago · For Hardin County community: Off-post procession route We invite our neighbors in Hardin County to safely gather along the public procession route to honor Staff Sgt. Law enforcement officers can provide escort services, including traffic control, to facilitate the procession’s passage. They are: Funeral Coach – Also known as a hearse, a funeral coach is the traditional choice for transporting the casket in processions between service locations and to the cemetery. Sec. I know it’s a southern thing, but Idk about the rest of the country. Funeral Procession Traffic Considerations Funeral procession accidents happen because drivers either don't know the rules or ignore them. Funerals for the soldiers will take place on Saturday. Jan 13, 2022 · 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 pass, and obey any directions given by the driver of a funeral escort vehicle. (a) A person driving a motor vehicle that is not a part of a funeral procession shall not: (1) Drive between the motor vehicles of a funeral procession while the motor vehicles are in motion; (2) Join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way allowed by § 27-49-113 (c) (1); (3) Pass a funeral procession on a multiple-lane highway on the right side of the funeral Jul 5, 2023 · Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way when directed to do so by a traffic officer. Jan 25, 2019 · In Tennessee, it is a common and accepted practice for oncoming traffic to pull to the side of the roadway as a sign of respect when meeting a funeral precession. You don’t have to stop by law. Don’t pass a funeral procession on the right side on a highway unless the procession is in the far left lane. Funeral processions will yield to emergency vehicles and the directions of a police officer. There are however several variables that could adjust the departure time. All vehicles in a funeral procession would still have had to yield to: Dec 5, 2024 · You may pass if you’re on a highway with two or more lanes going in the same direction. Feb 13, 2019 · The truth is that motorists who are not in the actual procession only have to yield the right of way to funeral processions passing through intersections. as collected all the state's laws on this matter, and here's what it says for the Commonwealth: May 21, 2021 · Funeral processions must still pull over for emergency vehicles and stop at train tracks. Traffic moving the same direction as the procession may even pass on the left on a multi-lane highway if it can be done safely! Mar 8, 2020 · Funeral processions can be confusing. Jan 6, 2025 · Funeral directors are encouraged to notify local police departments of the procession’s route and timing, especially if it involves major roads or high-traffic intersections. Should you stop for red lights? Are you allowed to pass? In this article, we’ll share some important fundamentals of funeral procession etiquette. Mexican President Sheinbaum announced the completion of the elevated highway project on Monday via a live press conference transmission from Mexico City. If You Encounter a Funeral Procession Motor vehicle laws regarding funeral 5 days ago · 257. Jul 17, 2023 · While laws regarding funeral processions vary by state, it is crucial to be aware of the legal obligations and proper etiquette when encountering a funeral procession on the road. Nov 13, 2024 · Don’t pass a funeral procession on the right side of a highway unless the procession is in the far-left lane. Jul 17, 2025 · Encountering a funeral procession involves specific traffic regulations. Feb 5, 2020 · When a funeral procession is in progress, someone not in the procession is prohibited from passing any vehicle in the funeral procession unless: (1) they are on roads outside of the city limits; (2) are directed to do so by a police officer; or (3) are on an interstate highway or state parkway. In Illinois and in Missouri, drivers in funeral processions have the right-of-way at Jun 20, 2023 · In the state of Illinois, it is illegal to try to overtake the right-of-way from a funeral procession or any vehicle inside the funeral possession. It will make a right turn off Patriot Parkway If a funeral procession is on the highway, don't pass on the right unless the procession is in the far left lane. Jul 24, 2014 · A motorist who is following a funeral procession on a two-lane highway must not pass the funeral procession. Jul 15, 2025 · A common illegal action is attempting to cut into or drive between the vehicles that make up the procession, as this can create hazardous conditions. Mar 28, 2024 · Transportation § 27-49-113. Jul 5, 2025 · The rules governing funeral processions are not established at the federal level, leading to significant differences in laws from one state to another, and sometimes even between municipalities. Drivers also aren’t allowed to pass the procession unless the group of vehicles merges onto a highway. Jul 18, 2025 · Encountering a funeral procession on a two-lane road can be uncertain. However, passing a funeral procession on the right is often specifically restricted or prohibited unless the procession is traveling in the farthest left lane available. When the funeral is over, the officiant, the casket, and the family leave first. Jul 17, 2013 · In some areas of the United States, motorists in a funeral procession have the right of way, but in Canada, for the most part, the rules of the road prevail. Funeral homes and other service providers offer various types of vehicles to transport the deceased and the family during the course of a funeral. Oct 4, 2023 · But not every state leaves the page about funeral procession traffic blank. State law requires drivers to pull out of the way for authorized emergency vehicles, including law enforcement vehicles with lights or sirens on. However, many people are unfamiliar with proper funeral procession etiquette, whether they are participating in one or encountering one on the road. When a funeral procession is in progress, a person driving a vehicle not in the procession shall not pass or overtake any vehicle in the procession unless: (a) The person is directed to do so by a police or safety officer; (b) The procession is on a street, road, or highway outside the corporate limits of a city, town, or urban-county; or (c . 1. In some areas, the lead vehicle of a funeral procession, often a hearse or a designated escort vehicle, may proceed through an intersection against a red light or stop sign after ensuring it is safe to do so. Sep 24, 2010 · Once the hearse and family cars pass, it can sometimes be difficult to tell that a funeral procession is taking place, especially for intersecting traffic or traffic moving in the opposite direction. Look for the last car in the procession. Furthermore, the right-of-way granted to a procession does not override the directions of a law enforcement officer who is directing traffic. Dec 11, 2024 · Pretty much, the funeral procession will always get the right of way under the following circumstances: Tennessee law gives the procession the right-of-way if the lead vehicle has a flashing amber light or is led by a “properly identified” escort. 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 vehicles in the procession shall follow the lead vehicle through the intersection. The 'Viaducto Elevado' connects Playas de Tijuana with the Tijuana International Airport. Pennington. Pass a funeral procession on a multiple lane highway on the funeral procession’s right side unless the funeral Mar 21, 2025 · If the funeral procession has a police escort, drivers should pull over and stop for them to pass. Illinois law specifically states that funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections when vehicles inside of the procession have their headlights and hazard lights illuminated. Aug 18, 2023 · (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. Dec 4, 2025 · The legality of stopping for a funeral procession is state-specific and not uniform across the United States. Apr 4, 2024 · Don’t honk your horn at a car in a funeral procession. Discover how to participate in a funeral procession and what state rules to follow. May 28, 2019 · There is no state law governing funeral processions, however, Texas courts recognize the tradition of vehicles stopping to allow a funeral procession to pass through an intersection. 4. Mar 28, 2024 · (2) Join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way allowed by § 27-49-113 (c) (1); (3) Pass a funeral procession on a multiple-lane highway on the right side of the funeral procession unless the funeral procession is in the leftmost lane; or Generally speaking, a funeral procession has the right of way and others must yield to funeral processions. Local governments may, by ordinance, provide for an escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of this service. (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 procession when the highway has been marked for two or more lanes of moving traffic in the same direction of the funeral procession. The procession will NOT pass directly in front of the Government Building. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Tennessee law instructs the following: • Vehicles following a funeral procession on a two-lane roadway may not attempt to pass such procession; and This is disrespectful to the family, dangerous, and –in Virginia– illegal. A Virginia statute provides that any funeral procession under a police or sheriff’s escort has the right-of-way on any highway, and that no vehicle not part of the procession shall “join, pass through, or interfere” with such a procession. Watch for the last vehicle in the procession. Jan 1, 2025 · (d) 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 hazard or interfering with such procession. Local governments may, by ordinance, provide for such escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of such service. 5 days ago · 257. Understand your legal obligations and how to proceed safely and respectfully. Right of way can be defined as who, according to the law, should be allowed to pass first on our roads, and which road user should yield. Understanding the customs and expectations can help ensure that the procession is 2. Auto accidents that occur during a funeral procession can be tricky and each of them is likely to be different. Feb 22, 2025 · Can you pass a funeral procession? Learn the rules, etiquette, and legal considerations, and how to show respect and avoid traffic violations. You should only ever pass on the right if the procession is traveling in the far left lane. The law firm of Matthiesen, Wickert, & Lehrer, S. Whether you’re participating in the procession or you encounter one, it’s often difficult to know the right thing to do. as collected all the state's laws on this matter, and here's what it says for the Commonwealth: 9‐21‐13‐6: Passing funeral procession permitted when safe a person who drives a vehicle may pass a funeral procession on the procession’s left side on a multiple lane highway if passing can be done safely. Dec 28, 2025 · Many states allow non-participating vehicles to pass the procession on the left, provided the highway has multiple lanes moving in that direction. (a) As used in this section, a "funeral procession" means two or more vehicles accompanying the remains of a deceased person, or traveling to the church, chapel, or other location at which the funeral services are to be held, in which the lead vehicle is either a State or local law enforcement vehicle, other vehicle designated by a law enforcement officer or Jan 10, 2018 · (C) Funeral processions escorted by a law enforcement officer shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Feb 26, 2025 · 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 resting place. If you're driving on a highway, don't pass a funeral procession on the right. Apr 11, 2025 · thank you for creating first post with SeekaHost Search 4 days ago · The Iowa Blue Star Mothers have planned a procession for two Army Reserve soldiers from Iowa returning to Des Moines on Thursday. However, the operator of a motor vehicle may pass a funeral procession which is traveling in the right lane of a divided highway, multiple-lane highway, or interstate. Jun 15, 2023 · Do you have to stop for a funeral procession in North Carolina? What the law says. Aug 27, 2025 · The rules governing funeral processions, particularly concerning traffic signals, vary significantly across different jurisdictions. If you have questions about funeral processions or require assistance planning a service, please reach out to our caring professionals. Attempting to join a procession to continue driving is against the rules. Jun 30, 2006 · However, the operator of a motor vehicle may pass a funeral procession which is traveling in the right lane of a divided highway, multiple-lane highway, or interstate. ndc lnzr tbljwum zjk bjag eqwo obzsxfh uaqk ehk nxjqj
