Do you have to yield for a funeral procession in Texas? This is how fast you can go
When coming across a funeral procession, drivers may not know whether to yield or completely stop.
In Texas, there is no specific law in the Texas Transportation Code that requires a motorist to stop their vehicle for a funeral procession, but there are two state laws that could apply in certain circumstances.
Here’s what Texas law says regarding watching your speed for funeral processions.
In Texas, what you can do when coming across a funeral procession
Despite no specific Texas law, traditionally it is respectful to move to the right side of the roadway and slow down or stop for a funeral procession, a representative with Texas Department of Public Safety said in an email.
Individual cities and municipalities across the state can enact their own laws regarding funeral processions and roadway traffic.
Two Texas laws could apply in specific situations when it comes to processions.
Texas Transportation Code 545.156 says when approached by an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals or a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible or visual signal, drivers should:
- Yield the right-of-way
- Immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection
- Stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed
This law could apply to funeral processions if the procession is led by an authorized emergency vehicle with emergency equipment activated, according to Texas DPS.
The law could also apply if an authorized emergency vehicle blocks an intersection or roadway for a funeral procession, which would require all motorists to yield the right-of-way until signaled to continue driving.
Texas Penal Code 42.05 applies to disruptions of meetings or processions and applies if a person purposely disrupts or obstructs a meeting, procession, or gathering from taking place.
This could apply to funeral processions if a motorist intends to disrupt the procession as a protest, which would make it a criminal offense. However, the law would not generally apply to a motorist operating a vehicle and deciding not to yield to a funeral procession, according to Texas DPS.
