What are the rules for other drivers when a funeral procession is on the freeway?

Question

The funeral procession was very long and in the right lane. I needed to get over to exit the freeway. I didn't want to be disrespectful and cross through the procession, but I couldn't just stop on the busy freeway and wait for them to pass. What are we supposed to do to show our respect, but remain safe as well.

Answer 1

safety ALWAYS is first...no disrespect..but no sense getting killed waiting for a hearse to go by

Answer 2

Where you can, you should stay behind, but on a freeway, safety is paramount. We don't want another funeral procession!

Answer 3

pull to side of road turn off radio and lights wait for them to pass if wearing a hat remove your hat as it passes. and wait. its resect show some!

Answer 4

I woul.d follow until they pass the exit I need. Your no allowed to pass them I don't think

Answer 5

Sorry, but you wait.

Domedweller and a few others have got it wrong.

A funeral procession is the last respect paid to a deceased person.

The link below is State law, applies on the Interstate too.

Since "headlights on" is commonplace for new vehicles and no one teaches repect anymore this signal is not widely recognized. The "flashing lights" UCAN'TCME refers to are generally purple.

Answer 6

funeral processions pretty much have no rules on the road, you are suposed to yield to them at any time such as on a red light they have the right of way to go through it and in your situation technically you were supposed to wait for them

Answer 7

Funeral processions do not have special treatment on the freeway,they should maintain a safe speed and obey all the traffic laws,if you feel that pulling on the side of the road to show respect,think again .

Those lane are emergency areas and shouldn't be used for anything else.

Local police give them escort and block traffic in the city,but on the freeway they are on their own.

Not to be cynic but the person that you try to show respect is beyond appreciation.

Answer 8

Rules are the same...

Answer 9

Funeral or no they should respect the rules of the road. They should let traffic through even though they are in convoy.

Answer 10

Well, realize before you get close to your offramp, that you either slow down....to ease in behind, or speed up to get ahead of the procession. If you pass your offramp before you get over...then backtrack....never break into the procession.

Answer 11

This can depend on where you live. Some states have rules that cities can tighten. Generally you try not to merge in  or through the procession. If the procession is escorted (police), the procession could supersede a red light if the procession is long. Generally, the escort will control traffic. If this happen at you home state or city, call locally and check. A violated escorted procession could result in a ticket.

However, on a freeway the procession should not impede traffic, so they should have allowed you to change lanes to exit.

Answer 12

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

In addition to required headlights, some states mandate hazard lights to be flashing.

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

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

Watch your rear and side view mirrors for relays of speeding motorcycle escorts coming up behind you, before you make a move.

Then, change lanes or turn safely into a side street away from the procession itself.