How to Drive Near a Funeral Procession

How to Drive Near a Funeral Procession

A funeral procession (or motorcade) is a line of vehicles traveling together from a funeral service to the burial site. The lead vehicle is often a hearse, followed by family members and other funeral attendees. Those traveling in a funeral procession may be dealing with intense grief. As a driver, how can you keep them safe and avoid adding frustration to an already sad day?

Driving near a funeral procession requires extra caution, patience, and respect. Laws vary by state, but etiquette and safety principles are consistent nationwide.

How can you spot a funeral procession? 

- Most of the vehicles in a funeral procession will have their headlights and hazard lights on.

- Some of the vehicles might display small flags on antennas.

- Typically, you will see that these vehicles are escorted by police vehicles or funeral directors.

What should you do if you drive up to or are behind a funeral procession?

1. Always yield the right-of-way unless directed otherwise by a police officer. 

Note: In most states, funeral processions have the right of way at intersections—even if the traffic signal changes. Once the lead vehicle legally enters the intersection, the entire funeral procession may proceed. Do not cut into or through the line of vehicles in the funeral procession. 

2. If you are behind a funeral procession, do not pass. In many states, it is illegal to pass a funeral procession—especially on two-lane roads. Maintain a safe distance, and give the drivers in the procession extra space. Be patient—processions often travel below the speed limit.

3. On multi-lane roads or highways: You may pass carefully if it’s legal and safe.

Note: In some states, drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a two-lane road must pull over and stop until the procession passes (unless the road is divided by a median).

4. If you do pull over to stop, and if it is safe to do so, it is common courtesy to remove your sunglasses and turn off loud music as a sign of respect. 

What NOT to do when you approach a funeral procession

1. Avoid honking.

2. Do not enter the intersection. Police escorts may block cross traffic to allow safe passage.

3. Turn off loud music.

4. Avoid aggressive driving.

Be sure to know your state's laws regarding funeral processions. Depending on the state you are driving in, the penalties for failing to yield the right-of-way to a funeral procession may include traffic citations, fines, or points on your driver’s license.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!