The rules of the funeral procession are strict

It is interesting to note that regardless of the vehicle code in a particular state, funeral escorts in some cities or counties frequently clash with local police. The resentment may run deep enough that police have even arrested funeral escorts for impersonating a peace officer (in Texas, for example). On the other hand, some communities use trained community helpers, rather than police officers, for funeral escort service. This frees up officers to do regular police work.

Regardless of local tensions, specific laws and rules apply to funeral processions. In California, for example:

Funeral processions have the right of way. You must give in to them and never obstruct or interfere in any way.

All vehicles traveling in a funeral procession must be accompanied by a motorcycle escort. Typically, an escort is assigned for approximately every 10 to 12 vehicles.

In addition, funeral decals (often brightly colored) must be placed on the front and/or rear windows of each vehicle. These stickers are issued by the company that was contracted by the funeral home to provide the escort service.

The escorts also hold “Turn on the headlights” signs as the procession leaves the mortuary or place of worship. (In addition to mandatory headlights, some states require that your hazard lights flash.)

Treat funeral processions with respect

All of us should always treat funeral processions with respect, out of common decency.

And yes, a funeral escort’s instructions must be followed, even when they appear to violate the law. An example of “violation of the law” is running red lights and stop signs. Just do that Yes the main escort has ordered cross traffic to stop first Y it’s still waving you, the driver, over. Hand signals and timing of escorts are not always clear.

When done professionally, the funeral procession stays in one lane, usually to the left, unless it has to merge onto a freeway ramp to the right.

By the way, woe to the non-mortuary motorist in another parallel lane, who does not stop at a red light or stop sign, before going through it at the same time as the procession! If your vehicle does not display that company’s funeral decal, it might be a good idea to stop and park where permitted until the funeral procession has passed. But check your rearview and side mirrors for relays of speeding motorcycle escorts coming up behind you, before you make a move. Then change lanes or turn safely onto a side street away from the procession.

Drivers of the funeral procession must take great care to avoid colliding with other motor vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, or stray animals, and must not exceed the speed limit on a particular highway. Be prepared for lots of shrill whistles from the guards, as well as voice commands.

If you can’t make it to the cemetery burial after the funeral service, you may still get caught up in the funeral procession. Escorts can sometimes make it difficult or impossible for any vehicle to leave the morgue or church parking lot before the hearse leaves first. If that’s the case, everyone is funneled into a long line of cars, and you can’t get out of it, even when you’re on the road. Therefore, plan ahead longer than expected when attending a funeral. You may also want to park on the street, so you don’t have to negotiate with a funeral escort inside the parking lot.

© 2006 Shirley Ann Parker