Do you turn your hazards on in a funeral procession?
ALASKA: There are no state laws governing funeral processions. CALIFORNIA: The only law California has regarding funeral processions prohibits anyone from disregarding any traffic signal or direction given by a peace officer in uniform authorized to escort a procession.
What is the protocol for a funeral procession?
In most states, the lead vehicle of a funeral procession must observe all traffic lights and signs. Once it goes through an intersection legally, the rest of the funeral procession can follow without stopping. If you’re in a processional, don’t stop at traffic lights or stop signs unless there’s an emergency.
When should you not go to a funeral?
Etiquette experts say your decision to attend should primarily depend on your relationship and level of closeness with the deceased and/or their family members. But the general rule of thumb is if you can make it, you should be there—especially if you have a deep respect for the departed.
What happens if you interrupt a funeral procession?
Once the lead car in the procession appropriately goes through a traffic light or stop sign, the entire procession is typically allowed to follow. If you’re driving on a highway, don’t pass a funeral procession on the right. Funeral processions will yield to emergency vehicles and the directions of a police officer.
Is it rude to not go to a funeral?
Sometimes it’s okay to skip the funeral. In general, if your presence would be unwelcome in any way or a disturbance, you should find another way to pay your respects. Here’s when it may be okay to skip the funeral service: If your presence will upset the close family of the deceased.
Do people regret not going to funerals?
It’s ok to cry, it’s ok to grieve. Every person I know who didn’t go to the funeral or memorial of a close loved one expresses a feeling of loss and regret that they didn’t participate in that final goodbye; as emotionally trying as they are, funerals give a sense of closure.
Do you have to have lights on in a funeral procession?
Depending on the state, there may be laws concerning whether the lead vehicle in a funeral procession should have lights flashing. Generally, all vehicles in the funeral procession should have their hazard lights on to distinguish themselves from other traffic.
Why are funeral processions allowed on the roads?
It may seem unfair that funeral processions are given more leniency on the roads, but this comes from years and years of tradition when the first funeral processions were done on foot, carrying the casket. So if you see a funeral procession, proceed with caution.
Do you have to yield to a funeral procession?
Yield to a funeral procession. Cars in the procession should have their headlights on, and often a flag on the hood as well. The final car in the procession will usually have two or more flags, plus flashing hazard lights to signal they are last in the procession.
Can a police officer lead a funeral procession?
law enforcement officer leading the funeral procession can go through an intersection. Vehicles in the procession can follow the police officer and have headlights lit or emergency lights flashing. Other cars may not drive between, pass on a two-lane road, or cross the path of cars in a funeral procession.