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Super Contributor
Posts: 387
Registered: ‎06-27-2011

State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

Was wondering what your state law is regarding drivers "caught in LONG " funeral processions but who aren't a part of the funeral procession. On my way home from work today, a funeral procession was in the right lane of a 4 lane major highway (not interstate, though). It had an escort. Drivers not involved were slowly passing in the left lane and turned their lights on for respect, including me. I think we all figured it was okay to pass since it's a major highway (sometimes going to five lanes counting the turning lane). The funeral procession stayed in the right lane, including the lead car. This is in Virginia. However, a pick-up truck in the funeral procession decided to block everybody in the left lane from passing by riding the center line, essentially impeding traffic. Guess we all ticked him off. I was driving well under 10 mph of the posted speed. I've read Virginia's laws, and it's not clear re this type of situation. All it says is drivers can't impede, join, or "pass THROUGH" the procession. Guess I'll ask the DMV when I go to renew the license next month. The articles I read said the laws are blurry and can be confusing. Thanks for any clarification.

Super Contributor
Posts: 387
Registered: ‎06-27-2011

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

Let me clarify my original post and state the escort for the procession was not a police escort. Just a car flashing lights as a lead car so to speak. 

 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,411
Registered: ‎03-02-2014

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

@ - I live in Virgnia also, and several years ago I passed a funeral procession on a 4 lane road (2 lanes each way).  I was actually unaware it was a funeral procession.  I got a ticket, which was a $200 fine and points on your license.  I went to court and it was dismissed, thankfully.  I think the law reads that it has to be intentional interference.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,579
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

I believe your best place to seek and receive a 100% accurate answer, would be if you directly make contact with your Police Department in the State you wish to inquire about their Funeral Laws & Funeral Car traffic related questions.

 

Good luck, stay safe and Happy Holidays!

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,287
Registered: ‎01-24-2013

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

This thread reminded me of when we were living in NC where on a two lane road drivers in the other lane actually stopped their cars and many got out putting their hands over their hearts, took off their hats and waited for the procession to pass.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,042
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

We all pull over to the side of the road out of respect when a funeral procession is passing.  I've never known it any other way.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,802
Registered: ‎12-09-2016

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

Here is Missouri, everyone always pulls over and stops out of respect.

 

I would never pass any of these cars that have their lights on during this sad time for them.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,739
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

It's against the law to do that in Mi

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,812
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

I would never pass a funeral procession out of respect.

 

When my FIL passed away, some jerk decided to cut in front of our family limo and thought he'd ride behind the hearse in traffic..  OH Heck NO, one of the police escorts immediately escorted him to the side of the road & gave him a ticket.  Talk about tacky! 

Go VOLS
Rocky Top you'll always be home sweet home to me.. Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee... Rocky Top Tennessee
Super Contributor
Posts: 387
Registered: ‎06-27-2011

Re: State Laws for Funeral Processions & Drivers

Thanks to all for your responses!