For every concrete, written rule of the road, there is an unwritten protocol to go along with it. Anytime emergency vehicles are flashing their lights and blaring their sirens, pull over – a concrete rule. There’s an animal by the edge of the road, so a driver flashes their lights at whoever’s driving towards them in warning – a courtesy. So, where does a funeral procession fit into this scheme?
Universally, this practice, like other routines of the road, falls into the unwritten rule category and is more about decorum and respect than obeying any concrete safety regulation. But in some places it is also a law, depending on the state. So, what should you know about the policies concerning funeral processions?
Laws regarding funeral processions vary from state to state
Across the 50 states, not everyone requires drivers to pull over when a funeral procession is looking to pass by – and even within those states, policies differ. For example, Kentucky flat-out gives them the right of way at all intersections and allows them to run red lights and stop signs. In Louisiana, this can only happen for those led by a police escort.
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In Georgia, the head of the procession is required to have a flag or some other distinguishing marker noting its place at the start of the line and all vehicles involved must have their headlights on. Meanwhile, Alabama as a whole does not have laws about processions but the city of Birmingham forbids cutting through the middle of one.
Pulling over for a funeral procession can be universal
Differences are the primary similarities between all the official litigation concerning funeral processions. From state to state, drivers can expect to see lines of cars led by a vehicle waving funeral flags. But each state’s requirements vary. So, pulling over no matter what is a safe option.
On top of avoiding any legal issues, this policy is also a sign of respect for those in the procession, a way of silently acknowledging their grief, offering comfort, and making things just a little bit easier on that difficult day.
