Driving by a Funeral Home

January 26, 2024

Share this article

Imagine you’re driving past a funeral home. As you approach, you can see people dressed in mourning clothing coming out of the facilities and climbing into their cars or limousines. But just before you drive by, those vehicles begin to pull out of the funeral home’s parking lot. You’re now encountering a funeral procession. So, how can you treat this important ceremony with the respect it deserves? Although many states have different rules when it comes to driving around funeral processions, here are the general rules of the road when you spot one.

What to Do When You Encounter a Funeral Procession

1. Yield the right of way.

Generally, funeral processions have the right of way. It’s important to obey this guideline as it may just prevent an accident. In many states, a funeral procession may go through a red light if the lead car has already crossed into the intersection. Because a funeral procession may operate under different rules from other vehicles on the road, it’s essential to exercise caution when driving around one.

Not only is it respectful to yield the right of way to ensure that the procession stays on time and all together, but it’s also better for both their and your safety. Just as you would yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, you should yield to a funeral procession.

2. Do not cut in.

It’s extremely disrespectful to cut into a funeral procession. In some states, doing so is actually illegal. A funeral procession is a ceremonial event in which people are mourning. You should not do anything that interferes with this ceremony. Also, the drivers will not expect you to cut in, which may mean that they won’t be looking out for your vehicle. A collision may end up being the result. If you need to take an exit on a highway and cutting in is your only option for reaching it, you should wait to take the next exit.

3. Do not pass the procession.

Just like you shouldn’t cut in, you also shouldn’t pass a funeral procession. And just like cutting in, it’s illegal to pass a funeral procession in some states. Speeding up to pass a funeral procession may cause an accident. You may pass if you’re on a highway with two or more lanes going in the same direction. You should only ever pass on the right if the procession is traveling in the far left lane.

4. Look for the last car in the procession.

Most often, the last car in a funeral procession must have its hazards on. It also may be marked with two flags to designate its status. To ensure that you don’t mistakenly cut off a funeral processional, keep an eye out for the final car’s markings.

5. Do not tag along.

When you do spot that final car, do not decide to join the procession. Because a funeral procession can move through traffic with certain restrictions lifted, some drivers, unfortunately, believe that they can simply join the mourners and receive the same treatment. But just as you shouldn’t tail an emergency vehicle to get to your destination faster, you shouldn’t tag along when you see a funeral procession. Not only is it very disrespectful, but it’s also not likely to work. The last car in the procession is marked as the final car. You may be pulled over if you’re spotted trying to tag along. Doing so is considered interfering with the procession, and it’s illegal in some states.

6. Pull over if you’re able.

Most often, the best thing to do when you see a funeral procession is to pull over. It’s safer to allow the procession to pass without any potential obstructions. However, it’s not always possible to pull over. If you are on a road with the space to pull off to the side, you should do so and wait until the procession has fully passed.

7. Wait patiently.

Whether you’re pulled to the side of the road or simply waiting at an intersection for the procession to pass, you should always wait patiently. Do not honk, yell, or make gestures, even if you’re frustrated that the procession is taking a while. Remember that the people in these vehicles are mourning the loss of a loved one. Even if you want to make a gesture of support, it’s best to wait silently and patiently instead.

It can be frustrating to get stuck behind a funeral procession. But it’s important to remember that it’s only a minor inconvenience in comparison to the situation the people in the procession are dealing with. They’re grieving the loss of a loved one. The day of a funeral is often difficult, and the last thing the mourners should have to face on such a day is someone causing an accident because they tried to cut the processional off. You should always be respectful to a funeral procession, both out of kindness to the mourners and for the sake of safety for everyone.

www.jerniganwarren.com

Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home has been serving the families of Fayetteville, North Carolina and surrounding communities since 1930. The funeral home serves families of all faiths with the highest quality funeral, memorial, burial, and cremation services. They are especially proud to serve veterans and members of the military community with respect and dignity. Find more information about the Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home and their services by visiting jerniganwarren.com.

Recent Posts

July 10, 2026
Summary • Funeral services typically include professional care, planning support, and coordination to help families honor loved ones with dignity. • According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), many services involve a visitation, ceremony, and opportunities for remembrance. • The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires funeral homes to clearly outline available services through an itemized General Price List, ensuring transparency and understanding. • Families in Fayetteville may personalize services with music, photographs, or meaningful tributes that reflect their loved one’s life. What Do Funeral Services Include? Families in Fayetteville often ask what funeral services include and how each element supports remembrance and healing. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral services are designed to bring comfort, structure, and meaningful opportunities to honor a loved one’s life. All information provided reflects national guidance as of 2025. Funeral directors typically guide families through each step of the process. They may coordinate with clergy or celebrants, musicians, cemeteries, and other service providers while ensuring necessary documentation is completed. The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral homes to outline all available services through an itemized price list, known as the General Price List, ensuring transparency and understanding. Funeral services often include a visitation, gathering, or ceremony that may be religious, spiritual, or non-religious. These events allow family and friends to reflect, share memories, and support one another. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) highlights that such ceremonies play a meaningful role in honoring a life and fostering connection. Transportation and logistics typically include transfer from the place of death, use of a funeral coach, and coordination with a cemetery or crematory. Families may also receive assistance with filing death certificates, securing permits, or preparing obituary notices. Personalization is often a meaningful part of the experience. Families may choose music, photographs, readings, video tribtes, or keepsakes that reflect the individual's personality, values, and legacy. Frequently Asked Questions What are the main parts of a funeral service? Most funeral services include professional care, planning guidance, transportation, a visitation or ceremony, and assistance with legal or administrative documentation. Are funeral services customizable? Yes. Many families choose personalized elements such as music, readings, photographs, or video tributes to reflect their loved one’s unique life and traditions. What is the role of the funeral director? Funeral directors coordinate service details, guide families through important decisions, and ensure that legal and ceremonial requirements are handled with professionalism and care. Written for Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Fayetteville with compassion and care. About Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, located at 545 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 , provides professional and compassionate funeral and cremation care for families throughout the community. For more information, call (910) 483-1331. www.jerniganwarren.com
June 5, 2026
Summary • Families can record or fund their funeral plans in advance to ease emotional and financial stress. • Many funeral homes offer prepaid arrangements held in trust or backed by insurance for protection. • Flexible payment plans may be available depending on state regulations and provider policies. • Planning ahead helps ensure personal wishes are honored and provides peace of mind. Can I Prepay or Preplan a Funeral? Families in Fayetteville often ask about the advantages of preplanning and prepaying for funeral arrangements . According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), preplanning allows individuals to record their choices in advance, reducing emotional and logistical stress for loved ones during difficult moments. Prepaying is an option for those who wish to set aside funds or pay for their funeral in advance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that many prepaid funeral plans use trusts or insurance policies to safeguard funds until they are needed. This added protection can give families more confidence when choosing how to prepare. Guidance from AARP encourages families to ask important questions about how funds are held, what happens if they relocate, and how refunds or cancellations are handled. These details help families make informed decisions that match their needs and preferences. Payment Plans and Consumer Protections Not every family chooses to pay in full when preplanning . Many funeral homes may offer payment plans that allow costs to be spread out over time, making advance planning more manageable for a variety of budgets. North Carolina regulations and FTC standards are in place to help protect prepaid funds. These rules typically require that prepaid funds be placed into a trust or insured product to ensure they remain available when needed. Whether families choose to prepay, set up a payment plan, or simply record their wishes, preplanning can bring clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between preplanning and prepaying for a funeral? Preplanning involves documenting funeral or cremation preferences in advance, while prepaying sets aside or pays funds ahead of time to cover the cost of those future arrangements. Are prepaid funeral funds protected? Yes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state laws typically require prepaid funds to be placed in a trust or insurance product so they are safeguarded for their intended purpose. Can I make monthly payments for a funeral plan? Many funeral homes may offer monthly or flexible payment options depending on North Carolina regulations and the provider’s policies. Written for Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Fayetteville with compassion and care. About Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home supports families in Fayetteville, North Carolina with professional, compassionate funeral and cremation care. Located at 545 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 , the funeral home offers guidance with traditional services, cremation options, preplanning consultations, and information about payment choices so families can make confident decisions. For more information, families may call (910) 483-1331. www.jerniganwarren.com
Show More