What Are Laws For Vehicles Involved In A Funeral Procession?

You have probably been on the roadway when a funeral procession passes by. We often field questions from people wondering what the rules are for vehicles involved in the funeral procession in Kansas City. This can be a complicated question to answer. At Townsend Law LLC, our car accident attorney in Kansas City want to discuss the laws surrounding vehicles involved in funeral processions. If you were involved in an accident with a funeral procession vehicle, you may need to call us today to discuss compensation.

Missouri laws for funeral procession vehicles

The lead vehicle in a funeral procession must be marked appropriately with flashing purple or amber lights or use alternating flashing headlights. Right behind the lead vehicle should be immediate family members, relatives, and close friends of the deceased. In some cases, funeral processions are assisted by local law enforcement (but this is not always the case). Vehicles in a funeral procession should:

• Follow as closely behind the preceding vehicle as is safe under current road and weather conditions.
• Turn on headlights and emergency flashers.
• Follow the lead vehicle after they lawfully enter an intersection. Those in the procession are allowed to follow into a red-light intersection as long as the lead vehicle has done so lawfully.
• Be mindful of those in and around the roadway, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
• Yield to any emergency vehicles that approach.

Those involved in the funeral procession must follow these laws and operate their vehicles safely at all times.

Missouri laws for those encountering a funeral procession

If you are driving and encounter a funeral procession, you should:

• Yield the right-of-way to any vehicles involved in the procession.
• Understand that funeral procession vehicles have priority even if the light has turned red at an intersection. All vehicles not involved in the procession should wait for the final vehicle to cross before entering an intersection.
• Never drive between or disrupt vehicles in a funeral procession.
• Never attempt to pass any vehicle in a funeral procession unless a passing lane has been specifically provided.

Not only is it disrespectful to attempt to join a funeral procession to gain the right-of-way, but it is illegal. Please understand that funeral processions are allowed. If those in the funeral procession are following the laws, you have no right to disrupt them.

We will help you after a car accident

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a vehicle accident that was caused by a funeral procession, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The team at Townsend Law LLC is going to get to work investigating this case in order to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This could include:

• Coverage of your crash-related medical bills
• Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
• Mental anguish damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages

We will work with all parties involved, including funeral homes and law enforcement agencies, in order to determine what happened. When you need a car accident lawyer in Kansas City, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 833-869-6529.