Always Pull Over for a Funeral Procession
When it comes to funeral etiquette, most people know pulling over to let the procession of cars pass is the right thing to do. But what you may not know is that failing to do so isn't just inconsiderate - it's dangerous and it could get you in trouble with the law.
Several states across the country have laws in place that require drivers to yield to groups of mourners driving to the cemetery, so long as their car is marked with the proper signage. Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, and North Dakota are just a few of the states that give drivers in funeral processions the right of way in almost all driving scenarios, according to the legal team at Matthiesen, Wickert, and Lehrer, S.C.
But across the rest of the United States, the laws can be a bit confusing and vary region to region. In fact, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Vermont don't have any rules regarding funeral traffic and driving.
In general, processions are given the right away if their headlights are on and if the leading driver follows the local traffic laws. "The lead vehicle must comply with stop signs and traffic lights, but once it has done so, all the following vehicles can proceed without stopping, provided they exercise due caution," the office of Legislative Research wrote in a report.
To make the roads safer for everyone driving, the best rule of thumb is to simply pull over. Not only is it polite, but it will ensure the procession can move along and stay together while reducing the risk of an accident. We're sure the family and friends of the deceased will appreciate it, too.
You can learn more about the laws in your area by checking this list of protocols by state from the Connecticut General Assembly.
(h/t Southern Living)
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