Do you have to yield for a funeral procession in California? Here’s what the law says

Angela Rodriguez
·2 min read
105

When coming across a funeral procession, it can be confusing for drivers on what they’re supposed to do. Is it courteous to yield or is there a law?

Here’s what the California law says regarding yielding for funeral processions:

California law

California Vehicle Code Section 2817 says drivers must obey traffic signals or directions given by a peace officer escorting a funeral procession, if the peace officer is in a peace officer’s uniform, and is in the process of escorting a funeral procession.

Section 7 of the California Driver’s Handbook also states one should not “interfere with a funeral procession” and that it has the right-of-way. You can be ticketed if you interfere.

Officer Ricardo Ortiz, spokesman for California Highway Patrol, said that ordinances and fines vary from city to city.

“Legally, [this law] only comes into play when uniformed officers are escorting the procession,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz said uniformed peace officers are sworn police officers, but oftentimes, funeral homes will have private entities to escort funeral services. These entities do not have any legal authority to impede traffic or block intersections.

What should you do if you encounter one?

If you should encounter a funeral procession, Ortiz said you should be able to detect which cars are involved in the procession with a funeral placard on the windshield.

The DMV states it will also entail the following:

▪ It’s led by a traffic officer

▪ They will also have their headlights on

There will also be one or more peace officers on a motorcycle with their emergency lighting on and guiding traffic, Ortiz said.

“If a funeral procession is coming up behind you and an officer has their emergency lighting on. Then, under California law, you’re supposed to pull over to the right and come to a complete stop,” Ortiz said.

Once all the cars with the placard have gone by, Ortiz said it is safe to assume you can continue driving.

What happens if you don’t yield?

Section 2817 states those not yielding for a funeral procession shall be guilty of an infraction and can be subject to penalties.

“(Drivers) will be subject to penalties listed in subdivision (a) of section 42001,” Ortiz said. “But they would vary, because every city and county varies in their fines.”

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.