Funeral Processions In New York Have Special Road Rights

Is it legal for a funeral procession to have the right of way in New York? Is it legal to cut into a funeral procession in the Empire State? The answers might surprise you.

Just last month I attended a funeral service followed by a graveside ceremony. On the 10 minute drive from the funeral home to the cemetery we had hazard lights on and displayed the flag the funeral home provided. At one point we encountered a red light and watched the lead vehicles drive away. Were we supposed to follow the procession or the traffic lights?

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Matthew Funeral Home in Staten Island suggests vehicles in the procession drive below the speed limit and stick close to the car in front of you. This will help keep the procession from separating and deter other vehicles from cutting you off.

In New York, funeral processions always have the right of way unless you encounter emergency vehicles. You must still yield to ambulances, firetrucks, and police vehicles. If the lead vehicle of the procession stops at a red light, the procession will halt. If the light changes, cars are permitted to continue and stay with the group; if it is safe to do so.

If you are driving but not part of the caravan, you need to yield the right-of-way to a funeral procession. Treat the hearse and following vehicles as you would any emergency vehicle.

If it is safe to do so, moving to a different lane is one of the easiest ways to respectfully let the group pass. If you are driving on an intersecting street to the procession, let them pass before you enter the intersection. Do not cut through or into a procession.