Running A Red Light In A Funeral Procession, Is It Legal?

We’ve all been on the road when we’ve encountered a funeral processions, sometimes we are even part of that convoy. But what are the rules and regulations which govern this last journey for the person in the casket?

48% of American states have a law that allows vehicles in a funeral convoy to pass through a red light but only when the lead vehicle has done so legally or with a police escort. Safety is always paramount in this situation, and drivers can still be penalized for exercising these rights recklessly.

As finding this information hasn’t been very easy, I have compiled a handy reference guide below as well as a look at each state and its laws concerning traffic controls and right of way for funeral processions.

State Laws (red lights, right of way, police escort)

Some US states have no express laws about running red lights and having the right of way while driving in a funeral procession, even with a police escort. Some states expressly forbid this and rule that all vehicles need to follow regular traffic regulations.

Other states, only give the right to pass through stop signs and red lights if the lead vehicle (and sometimes all cars in the procession) have to flash hazard lights on.

Below is a quick reference guide to see if your state allows you to run a red light or if you have right of way while part of a funeral procession. Note, if you see a ✅ in the third column (Only with police escort) this means these rights are only permitted while under direct police supervision.

State	Permitted to run red lights	Right of way?	Only with police escort
Alabama	❌	✅	❌
Alaska	❌	❌	❌
Arizona	❌	✅	❌
Arkansas	❌	❌	❌
California	❌	❌	✅
Colorado	✅	✅	✅
Connecticut	❌	❌	❌
Delaware	❌	✅	❌
Florida	✅	✅	❌
Georgia	❌	❌	❌
Hawaii	❌	❌	❌
Idaho	✅	✅	❌
Illinois	✅	✅	❌
Indiana	✅	✅	❌
Iowa	✅	❌	❌
Kansas	❌	❌	❌
Kentucky	✅	✅	❌
Louisiana	✅	✅	✅
Maine	❌	❌	❌
Maryland	✅	✅	❌
Massachusetts	❌	❌	❌
Michigan	❌	✅	❌
Minnesota	❌	✅	❌
Mississippi	❌	❌	❌
Missouri	❌	✅	❌
Montana	✅	✅	❌
Nebraska	❌	✅	❌
Nevada	✅	✅	❌
New Hampshire	❌	✅	❌
New Jersey	❌	❌	❌
New Mexico	❌	❌	❌
New York	✅	✅	✅
North Carolina	✅	✅	❌
North Dakota	✅	✅	❌
Ohio	✅	✅	❌
Oklahoma	❌	❌	❌
Oregon	✅	✅	❌
Pennsylvania	✅	✅	❌
Rhode Island	❌	✅	❌
South Carolina	✅	✅	✅
South Dakota	❌	❌	❌
Tennessee	✅	✅	❌
Texas	✅	✅	❌
Utah	❌	❌	❌
Vermont	❌	❌	❌
Virginia	✅	✅	✅
Washington	❌	✅	❌
West Virginia	✅	✅	❌
Wisconsin	✅	✅	❌
Wyoming	✅	✅	❌
Washington D.C	❌	❌	❌

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What is proper etiquette for a funeral procession?

When you encounter a funeral procession it is respectful to give them right of way and not to try and enter the convoy. In some states there are laws saying this but in many others there are no legal implications. Pulling over when safe to do so may be the best option.

Funeral processions will normally proceed slowly down the road, unless in Tennessee where they have to keep with a certain speed limit. Rather than having to deal with the hassle of a slow convoy, you can find another route or just chill for 10 minutes until it passes by.

Is it illegal to cut into a funeral procession?

In many states, it is illegal to impede, cross or join a funeral procession. In particular, states such as Ilinois, clearly state that no outside can take advantage of the convoy to gain their right of way and pass through intersections and stop signs.

The seriousness of the crime varies but the punishment is more than likely going to be a reprimand and best and a fine at worse. Still, it’s an unpleasant situation for the deceased family and for you if you break the law in such an irreverent way.

Is it disrespectful to overtake a hearse?

Not only is it poor taste to overtake a hearse and funeral procession, in many US states it is illegal. Not all states have this rule, but ethically most people would agree that we shouldn’t do it. If you can find an alternative route, do that, otherwise just be patient.

Probably you aren’t going to go to jail for overtaking a hearse but you may get a ticket if a policeman (who may be escorting the convoy) spots you. For more information about this, feel free to read about your state below.

Running red light & Giving way to funeral convoys (by state)

Below you will find more information about the rules for passing red lights while part of a funeral procession and whether or not you have to legally give way to one as a motorist. There are also links to the Department of transport and official state websites for each state.

Alabama

Can you run a red light in Alabama?

There are no laws expressly giving funeral processions the right to go through red lights across the state of Alabama. That being said, only in the city of Birmingham is there an ordinance that ‘ prohibits motorists from driving through a funeral procession if it is reasonably apparent to the public that an automobile is in a funeral procession‘. So, as a whole, the procession has the right-of-way to proceed as a single unit through intersections and traffic signals

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Alabama?

There is no law saying that motorists in Alabama have to stop or pull over for a funeral procession, but in Birmingham, they do have the right of way.

Alaska

Can you run a red light in Alaska?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Alaska?

There are no state laws or statutes which say you must stop for a funeral procession or that you will be prosecuted if you interfere with its progression in any way. Common courtesy would dictate that you give the convoy right of way though.

Arizona

Can you run a red light in Arizona?

In Arizona, a funeral procession does have the right to drive through a red light under special circumstances. A driver holding a class D driver’s license and exhibiting a red or red and blue light has the right to ” (1) direct the vehicles in the procession and other vehicles approaching the procession to stop, proceed, or make any necessary movements without regard to any traffic control device”

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Arizona?

You should stop for a funeral procession in Arizona because the law states that “All other vehicles and pedestrians, except emergency vehicles, must yield the right-of-way to funeral processions.“.

Arkansas

Can you run a red light in Arkansas?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Arkansas?

California

Can you run a red light in California?

You cannot drive through a red traffic light in California unless you are driving in a police escorted convoy.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in California?

The only law in California directly dealing with funeral processions is one that prohibits “anyone from disregarding any traffic signal or direction given by a peace officer in uniform authorized to escort a procession”. So when you see a police officer driving with a funeral procession, it’s best to pull over safely.

Colorado

Can you run a red light in Colorado?

There is no law saying that a member of a funeral procession can run a red light in Colorado unless you are driving in Denver and identified with lighted headlamps.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Colorado?

The Denver Revised Municipal Code, § 517 gives a funeral procession the right-of-way but only when all vehicles have headlights on and ” there must be actual or constructive notice to other drivers that such a procession is present.”

Connecticut

Can you run a red light in Connecticut?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Connecticut?

Delaware

Can you run a red light in Delaware?

You cannot run a red light in Delaware even if you are in a funeral procession.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Delaware?

There is a statute which ” prohibits any vehicle not part of a funeral procession from driving between or interfering with a funeral procession”. So this suggests that it is better to stop and cede passage to a funeral procession.

Washington D.C

Can you run a red light in Washington D.C?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Washington D.C?

Florida

Can you run a red light in Florida?

If you are driving as part of a funeral procession and have your headlights and flashing amber lights on then ‘If the lead vehicle enters an intersection legally, the other vehicles may follow it regardless of a changing traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign provided they exercise due care to prevent collisions.‘ This means you can follow the leader through a light when it turns red.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Florida?

In Florida the law is quite clear, “all pedestrians and vehicles, except emergency vehicles, to yield right-of-way to the procession.” So you should stop for a funeral convoy. The same law also states that “Other drivers are prohibited from driving between vehicles in the procession if their headlights are on unless directed by a police officer.”

Georgia

Can you run a red light in Georgia?

In Georgia, all drivers regardless of whether they are in a funeral procession or not have to adhere to the traffic regulaltions at all time as the state follows the Uniform Traffic Act

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Georgia?

There is no law which says that you need to stop for a funeral procession in Georgia other than under normally driving circumstances. However, if it is safe to do so, it’s common courtesy not to interfere with their passage.

Hawaii

Can you run a red light in Hawaii?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Hawaii?

Idaho

Can you run a red light in Idaho?

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Idaho?

In Idaho the law is quite clear, “all pedestrians and vehicles, except emergency vehicles, to yield right-of-way to the procession.” So you should stop for a funeral convoy. The same law also states that “Other drivers are prohibited from driving between vehicles in the procession if their headlights are on unless directed by a police officer.”

Illinois

Can you run a red light in Illinois?

You cannot run a red light in Illinois unless you are clearly part of a funeral procession and the leader of the convoy has already legally entered an intersection. If the light turns red after this, you have the legal right to follow the rest of the procession.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Illinois?

Funeral processions in Illinois have the right-of-way at intersections when headlights are lit.’, so you are legally required to stop for them. Also the state clearly says that other drivers cannot join the convoy just to jump red lights.

Indiana

Can you run a red light in Indiana?

As in Illionois, in Indiana you cannot run a red light in Illinois unless you are clearly part of a funeral procession and the leader of the convoy has already legally entered an intersection. If the light turns red after this, you have the legal right to follow the rest of the procession.The only different between the states is that the leader of the convoy has to have alternatively flashing red and blue lights.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Illinois?

Funeral processions in Indiana also have the right-of-way at intersections when headlights are lit.’, so you are legally required to stop for them. As with the previous state, you cannot join the convoy to take advantage of their right of way.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Indiana?

Iowa

Can you run a red light in Iowa?

There is no rules saying that you can drive through a red light as part of a funeral procession in Iowa but the state does ‘provides that drivers of vehicles in the procession cannot be charged with violating traffic rules and regulations with regard to traffic devices and signals, unless operating the vehicle recklessly.“

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Iowa?

When funeral convoys in Iowa have flashing emergency lights, lit headlights, and identifying flags all other traffic (except emergency vehicles) must give them the right of way.

Kansas

Can you run a red light in Kansas?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Kansas?

Kentucky

Can you run a red light in Kentucky?

Kentucky almost gives funeral processions express permission to proceed without any regard to traffic control systems, as long as it is done safely. “The escort vehicle driver can direct the procession to proceed through an intersection or make any necessary movements despite any traffic control signals.”

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Kentucky?

There isn’t a rule in Kentucky which says you have to stop for a funeral convoy but there is one that says ‘Other vehicles cannot drive between, interfere with, or pass the procession unless directed by a police officer.‘ So it’s probably best not to try and overtake or beat a funeral procession.

Louisiana

Can you run a red light in Louisiana?

There is no statewide law in Louisiana saying that funeral processions can drive through red lights “unless a local ordinance states otherwise”

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Louisiana?

Similarly there is no law which say that drivers in Louisiana must stop for a funeral convoy

Maine

Can you run a red light in Maine?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Maine?

Maryland

Can you run a red light in Maryland?

If your headlights are on and the first vehicle in the funeral procession went through a light when it was green the state of Maryland gives you permission to follow the convoy while the light is red.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Maryland?

There is no express law saying that you have to stop for a funeral procession in all circumstances in Maryland except at traffic lights. “While the procession goes through the red signal, any other vehicle with a green light can enter the intersection only if it will not cross the procession’s path”

Massachusetts

Can you run a red light in Massachusetts?

You cannot run a red light in a funeral procession in Massachusetts, you have to follow the same traffic laws as every other motorist.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Massachusetts?

Equally there is no law which say other motorists must stop for a funeral procession either on the road or at an intersection.

Michigan

Can you run a red light in Michigan?

There is some debate over whether funeral processions have the right to run red lights in addition to the right of way they are granted at intersections when the leader displays a ‘special orange flag to be accorded this privilege.’ The courts have previously interpreted the law as saying it does.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Michigan?

In Michigan, ‘funeral processions have the right-of-way over all other vehicles’, so you should really stop to allow them to pass you on the road and at intersections.

Minnesota

Can you run a red light in Minnesota?

The law in Minnesota doesn’t expressly give funeral processions the right to pass through a traffic light when it is red.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Minnesota?

Minnesotan law says that other motorists have ‘to yield the right-of-way to a funeral procession when all its cars are in close formation with headlights lit.’. So this means you should stop for a funeral convoy when you encounter one.

Mississippi

Can you run a red light in Mississippi?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Mississippi?

Missouri

Can you run a red light in Missouri?

In Missouri when the leading vehicle in a funeral procession has ‘an amber or purple light or lens or alternating flashing headlamps’ the entire convoy can run a red light ‘Once the lead vehicle lawfully enters an intersection ‘ as long as they ‘exercise due care.‘

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Missouri?

The law clearly says in Missouri that other vehicles must give the procession the right-of-way, ‘except it must yield to emergency vehicles.’ So you do need to stop when they are passing you. Also, the law says ‘Other vehicles are prohibited from driving between, joining, attempting to pass, or crossing the path of a funeral procession.‘

Montana

Can you run a red light in Montana?

You can drive through a red light as part of a funeral procession in Montana funeral processions have “the right-of-way at intersections without regard to any traffic control signal.” And that the escort vehicle driver can direct the procession through an intersection “despite any traffic control signals.”

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Montana?

The laws in Montana also say that “pedestrians and other vehicles [must] yield the right-of-way to funeral processions, so when it’s a question of you or them, it’s them.

Nebraska

Can you run a red light in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, funeral convoys have the right to pass through red lights if done in a safe manner and only when clearly part of the convoy.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Nebraska?

Across the state, there is no rule but in Omaha city, an ordinance ‘prohibits vehicles from driving through a funeral procession while they are in motion and when the vehicles are conspicuously designated by headlamps or flags‘. So if you are in Omaha, you probably do need to stop for them.

Nevada

Can you run a red light in Nevada?

Nevada is the only state which clearly says in black and white that a funeral procession escort can drive through a red light, when done safely. They also, like some other states, allow this vehicles to exceed the speed limit by 15 mph in order to pass the convoy and reach the next intersection first.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Nevada?

There is no law in Nevada which says that a person needs to legally stop for a funeral procession. However, as a funeral escort vehicle has so many rights to disregard the traffic laws, it would be safer to be cautious and stop anyway.

New Hampshire

Can you run a red light in New Hampshire?

Although in New Hampshire the lead vehicle in a funeral procession is expected to comply will all traffic laws, when they enter an intersection lawfully the following drivers can follow them if the lights change. This is as long as the other vehicles have ‘windshield signs, headlights, taillights, and hazard flashers [and] the escort vehicle must have a purple flashing or emergency light‘

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in New Hampshire?

New Jersey

Can you run a red light in New Jersey?

There is a strange law in New Jersey that says a funeral procession must stop every 5 minutes if it takes the convoy more than five minutes to pass a given point. There is no law however which says a funeral convoy can run through a red light.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in New Jersey?

No law in New Jerseys says that you have to stop for a funeral procession and if you are driving a U.S. mail vehicle, or you are a doctor, you have the right-of-way through a procession.

New Mexico

Can you run a red light in New Mexico?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in New Mexico?

New York

Can you run a red light in New York?

The only way to run a red light as part of a funeral procession in New York is if you are being escorted by a police officer.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in New York?

Again, unless the convoy is being escorted by a police vehicle you don’t have to legally stop for it. It’s just a sign of respect to do so.

North Carolina

Can you run a red light in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, when the funeral procession has a lead vehicle marked with a light, flag, or other insignia and each vehicle in the procession has its headlights lit and hazard warning lights on, then a special law exists. If the lead vehicle legally passes through a green light and then it turns red, all other vehicles can follow it.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in North Carolina?

The state of North Carolina states that ‘Other vehicles may not attempt to pass or knowingly drive between vehicles in a funeral procession‘. So, basically, you do need to legally stop for the funeral procession.

North Dakota

Can you run a red light in North Dakota?

North Dakota is one of the few states to clearly give funeral processions express permission to proceed without following the usual traffic control measures. So in North Dakota, you can run a red light as part of a funeral convoy, “All vehicles in the procession must have their headlights lit, and their emergency lights flashing and must be as closely spaced as safely possible.”

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in North Dakota?

The law in North Dakota also says that “Other vehicles may not drive between, join, pass on a two-lane road, or cross the path of vehicles in a funeral procession“. This means you definitely have to stop for a funeral procession.

Ohio

Can you run a red light in Ohio?

As with many other states, in Ohio if you are clearly driving in a funeral procession following an escort vehicle you can legally pass through a red light when that lead vehicle has entered the intersection on a green light.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Ohio?

Ohio law also states that ‘Pedestrians and other vehicles, except emergency vehicles or vehicles directed by a police officer, must yield right-of-way to the procession.‘. So stopping for the convoy is legally required.

Oklahoma

Can you run a red light in Oklahoma ?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Oklahoma?

Oregon

Can you run a red light in Oregon?

In Oregon, you can run a red light only when the lead escort vehicle of a funeral convoy has entered the intersection legally. If they run a red light, you are actually breaking the law.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Oregon?

Oregon also has laws that say all other motorists, with the exception of emergency vehicles, need to give the right of way to a funeral convoy.

Pennsylvania

Can you run a red light in Pennsylvania?

The state of Pennsylvania not only gives you permission to run a red light as a member of a clearly marked funeral procession, but also stop signs. This is only possible if the lead vehicle entered a light legally and made a full stop at the stop sign.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Pennsylvania?

There are no specific laws in Pennsylvania which say other motorists need to stop for a funeral procession but it would be wise seeing that they have the right to disobey certain traffic laws.

Rhode Island

Can you run a red light in Rhode Island?

There isn’t a law in Rhode Island which gives anyone in a funeral procession the right to run a red light.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Rhode Island?

The law in Rhode Island say that no other motorists can “willfully” interjecting their vehicle into a funeral convoy which suggests you do need to legally stop for them.

South Carolina

Can you run a red light in South Carolina?

You simply cannot run a red light in South Carolina even if part of a funeral procession. To be legally determined as such, the supreme court says that you need to be following a hearse and have no police escort.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in South Carolina?

No law in South Carolina says that you need to stop for a funeral procession, but it would just be a respectful act to do so.

South Dakota

Can you run a red light in South Dakota?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in South Dakota?

Tennessee

Can you run a red light in Tennessee?

A with many other states in the USA you can run a red light as part of a funeral procession in Tennessee only when the lead vehicle has abided by all traffic laws and entered the intersection legally. The lead vehicle has to have ‘a flashing amber light or is led by a “properly identified” escort’

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, there is a law that says you can’t overtake a funeral convoy on a two-lane highway and that you can’t drive between the cars in the convoy. it doesn’t say, however, that you have to stop for the convoy.

Texas

Can you run a red light in Texas?

There is no formal law which says you can run a red light in Texas but the courts seem to honor an unspoken law that gives funeral processions right of way, even through traffic lights.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Texas?

Again, there is no law saying that Texans need to stop for a funeral procession but it is generally accepted that you should and if you crash into an obvious convoy coming through some lights, it is your fault.

Utah

Can you run a red light in Utah?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Utah?

Vermont

Can you run a red light in Vermont?

There are no laws giving funeral processions the right to run a red light even if the leading vehicle has crossed an intersection before the light changed.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Vermont?

Virginia

Can you run a red light in Virginia?

If you are driving in a police escorted funeral procession in Virginia, you have the right of way and can go through a red light. However, this is only at the discretion of the police officer and not an actual law.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Virginia?

In Virginia, the law says that “No vehicle may join, pass through, or interfere with the funeral procession“. So this is pretty clearly telling you to stop and let them through.

Washington

Can you run a red light in Washington?

There doesn’t seem to be a set law about funeral processions running through red lights. However, the supreme court says “a vehicle that is separated from the procession is no longer in the procession, and as such, has no rights of the procession,” So this seems to suggests that there are some rights which might extend to similar ones in other states where you can follow a lead driver through a light.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Washington?

You don’t have to legally stop for a funeral convoy in the state of Washington, but it would be nice if you did.

West Virginia

Can you run a red light in West Virginia?

In West Virginia you can run a red light as part of a funeral procession but only when the lead vehicle has already passed through the same traffic light when it was green.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in West Virginia?

Funeral convoys in West Virginia are given the right of way by law, so you are required to stop for them and not to interfere with their progress in any way.

Wisconsin

Can you run a red light in Wisconsin?

You cannot run a red light in Wisconsin unless you are clearly part of a funeral procession and the leader of the convoy has already legally entered an intersection. If the light turns red after this, you have the legal right to follow the rest of the procession.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Wisconsin?

Funeral processions in Wisconsin have the right-of-way at intersections when headlights are lit.’, so you are legally required to stop for them. Also, the state clearly says that other drivers cannot join the convoy just to jump red lights.

Wyoming

Can you run a red light in Wyoming?

The lead vehicle in a funeral procession in Wyoming has to abide by all normal traffic laws, but if they pass through an intersection legally and the light turns red, you can follow them.

Should you legally stop for a funeral procession in Wyoming?

Laws in Wyoming also state that funeral processions have the right of way, so you do legally have to stop for them and let them through an intersection.

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