What Is a Funeral Procession and What Is the Etiquette for Participating in One?

A funeral procession refers to a method of transporting the person who died from the funeral to the cemetery or crematorium. The procession consists of a motorcade of vehicles, including the hearse, or individuals who are walking together in a unified group to the final resting place. It is a component in many traditional funerals and is often viewed as a solemn tribute to the person who died. It is not uncommon for individuals in a community to gather as a funeral procession occurs since it provides them with an opportunity to briefly pay their respects as the hearse passes by even if they do not directly attend the funeral. 

When participating in a funeral procession, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Close friends, family, and loved ones of the person who died should arrive around 45 minutes early to the funeral home if they are driving their own vehicles in the procession. This is necessary to ensure that these vehicles are closer to the front of the procession. Other participants who were not in the immediate social circle of the person who died usually join the procession in the order that they arrive unless otherwise requested. The general order of the vehicles in the procession is indicated below: 

• The lead vehicle (sedan or van) 
• The hearse or funeral coach
• Family vehicles (sometimes limousines, but not required)
• Participant vehicles

Before the start of the procession, a funeral attendant will place a bright magnetic flag on the front left corner of the car to indicate that it is part of the procession. This flag will read “funeral” so that other motorists are aware of the procession. In a procession with multiple cars, flags may be placed on every other vehicle or every third vehicle to indicate to other motorists that a funeral procession is occurring. Additionally, participating drivers must keep their headlights on throughout the process to the cemetery or crematorium.

During the procession itself, participants who are driving need to stay as close as possible to the vehicle in front of them to ensure that other vehicles are not able to cut in front of the procession and potentially disrupt it. Everyone should be informed that they will need to drive slowly and must remain in the procession line until it has been completed. All other motorists are required to yield until the procession has passed them on the road.

Overall, the general tone of a funeral procession is one of respect and solemnity. Participants are expected to navigate the procession in a manner that is consistent with honoring the person who died, which means loud music or pushing past other vehicles is inappropriate. By observing the necessary etiquette for a funeral procession and working closely with the funeral attendant, participants can ensure that they successfully transport their loved one to their final resting place.

Sources 

“Driving in a Funeral Procession and What to Do if You Encounter One.” Eirene. https://eirene.ca/blog/driving-in-a-funeral-procession-and-what-to-do-if-you-encounter-one 

“Driving in a Funeral Procession.” FuneralWise. https://www.funeralwise.com/funeral-arrangements/funeral-processions/ 

“A guide to funeral procession etiquette and procedures”. https://www.betterplaceforests.com/blog/funeral-procession-etiquette-and-procedures/