Do Georgia drivers have to yield for funeral processions? | Macon Telegraph
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Do Georgia drivers have to yield for funeral processions? Here’s what state law says

JASON VORHEES/THE TELEGRAPH Macon, GA, 03/25/2020: What does Georgia law say about funeral processions?
JASON VORHEES/THE TELEGRAPH Macon, GA, 03/25/2020: What does Georgia law say about funeral processions? jvorhees@macon.com

If you’ve been a driver for a while, chances are, you’ve run into a funeral procession at some point in time.

Did you know what to do? Did you stop, yield or keep going?

Whatever your answer was, don’t worry, we’ve got the facts.

Here’s what Georgia law says about funeral procession traffic:

What the law says

According to the Justia US Law website, funeral processions have the right of way.

This means:

  1. “Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle giving an audible and visual signal; and

  2. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way when directed to do so by a traffic officer.”

And here’s what you shouldn’t do

If you come across a funeral procession on the road, here are some things you should not do:

  • Do not interrupt the funeral procession

  • Do not join the funeral procession to gain right of way

  • Do not attempt to pass vehicles in the funeral procession

Here’s what happens if you violate the law

If you violate the funeral procession laws in Georgia, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Upon conviction, you will be expected to pay a fee that will not exceed $100.

Have more questions? Email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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