You have probably seen a funeral procession before or maybe had the misfortune of riding in one. However, if you have not, after the funeral service, family and friends follow the body to the cemetery for the burial. Usually, cars in a funeral procession will have their headlights or hazard lights on. This shows other vehicles on the road that you are apart of the funeral procession. Unknown to most, most states have driving rules that if you do not follow can result in a ticket. In this article, we discuss the driving rules for funeral procession attendants.
5 Things To Know About Driving In a Funeral Procession
- Expect to drive very slow. Usually around 30-40 mph on roads (depending on speed limit) and no more than 55mph on the highway.
- Stay close to the car in front of you during the procession, this way vehicles not in the procession can not cut in.
- Stay with the procession and in line at all times, even if you are going through a red light. Local rules give funeral processions the right-of-way.
- The last car in the procession usually has two funeral flags or will have their hazard lights on to signify that the procession has ended.
- When you arrive at the cemetery, an attendant will lead the procession to the gravesite.
Other Things To Know About Driving In a Procession
It is common for immediate family members of the deceased to ride in a limousine. If you are a family friend or from another part of the family, you will be driving in your car.
Usually, the funeral attendant places a magnetic “funeral” flag on the last car in the procession. If the funeral procession is long, then every 3rd car may have the flag on it.
The funeral procession is usually led by a black sedan, also known as the guide car. It will have the headlights on or hazard lights flashing. Following the sedan is the hearse, limousines, and then the rest of the cars.
Driving Rules For Funeral Procession: What To Do When Encountering a Funeral Procession
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for handling funeral processions.
Do’s
- Be respectful
- Yield once the lead car enters traffic.
- Look for the last car in the procession.
Don’ts
- Do not cut off or into a procession
- Refrain from honking
- On a highway, only pass on the left side. Unless the procession is in the far left lane.
3 Indicators To Know You Are Encountering a Funeral Procession
- Headlights or hazard lights on (in daytime)
- White funeral flags on vehicles
- A hearse followed by limousines and multiple cars
Here are the rules for Tennesse & Kentucky
