Funeral Procession Etiquette

Funeral processions may not be a common occurrence in your community, but if you live near a funeral home or cemetery, you may see them more often. If you’re driving and see a funeral procession, respond with respect and reverence.

What is a funeral procession?

A funeral procession is a parade of vehicles, usually led by a lead car with flashing lights followed by a hearse containing a casket or urn. Loved ones drive behind the hearse, with the closest relatives and friends usually directly behind the hearse. The cars in the procession move very slowly in a show of respect for the deceased on their way to the cemetery where the casket or urn will be interred.

Funeral processions may include only a few cars or many cars. For example, when a police officer, firefighter or other first responder dies, processions can be very long, with hundreds of police cars and/or fire engines participating in the procession.

A funeral home may provide temporary “Funeral” flags or magnets for vehicles to display on their vehicles to let other driver know there is a procession.

If You Encounter a Funeral Procession

• If you encounter a funeral procession while driving, keep these guidelines in mind:
• Yield the right-of-way. Pull over if possible.
• Think about how you would yield to an emergency vehicle and act similarly. Allow the procession to pass.
• Do not merge into the procession.
• Do not join the procession or pass the procession.
• Be respectful.
• Do not honk your horn or otherwise indicate frustration.
• Be mindful.

Show respect as the procession passes. It’s important to remember that the individuals in the procession are grieving the death of a loved one.

If You Are Participating in a Funeral Procession

• Follow the guidelines of the funeral professional. The funeral professional will provide direction regarding traveling safely and laws in your community/state. Generally, the lead car will obey all traffic laws, but the other cars will simply follow the lead car, driving slowly through red lights, for example, but local/state laws and guidance vary. The funeral professional may put a special “Funeral” flag or magnet on your vehicle to create awareness for other drivers. The funeral director will then collect them from the vehicles at the cemetery.
• Follow the lead vehicle and stay in line: Stay close to the vehicle in front of you and maintain a safe following distance. Do not pull out of the procession unless there is an emergency.
• Make other drivers aware that you are part of the procession.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights and hazard lights and drive slowly. The procession will travel at a slower speed than surrounding traffic. Follow the lead of the cars in front of you.
• Be respectful.
• Turn the radio down (or off), avoid using your phone, and maintain a solemn demeanor.