Michigan state law gives cars in a funeral procession the right-of-way over all other vehicles on the road (besides fire trucks, ambulances, and police officers) (MCL 257.654). If you encounter a funeral procession, you must wait for the entire line of cars to pass before proceeding.
In this guide, we explain exactly what Michigan state law says about funeral processions, the special privileges that drivers in a funeral procession are granted, the consequences for cutting through a funeral procession, and the steps that you should take if you are involved in an accident while driving in a funeral procession.
What is a Funeral Procession?
A funeral procession is an organized group of vehicles accompanying a deceased person and their family to a cemetery, crematorium, or final resting place.
They are normally led by a funeral home lead car, followed by a hearse carrying a casket or urn, a vehicle carrying the family of the deceased, and friends of the deceased driving their personal vehicles. Members of a funeral procession in Michigan are required to display a fluorescent orange flag on their car to signify their participation (MCL 257.654). The use of hazard lights is another common way that motorists choose to indicate their inclusion in a procession.
The purpose of a funeral procession is both practical and symbolic. They help mourners stay organized and prevent individuals from getting lost, while also serving as a ceremonial final journey to a deceased person’s final resting place.
What Does Michigan Law Say About Funeral Processions?
MCL 257.654(1) states:
“A motor vehicle forming part of a funeral procession, when going to a place of burial, shall have the right of way over all other vehicles except fire apparatus, ambulances, and police patrol vehicles at a street or highway intersection within this state if the vehicle in the funeral procession displays a flag which shall be fluorescent orange in color, and upon which shall be printed, stamped, or stained a black cross, the star of David, or the crescent and star.”
This statute goes on to explain, “A person passing through a funeral procession of motor vehicles, designated pursuant to subsection (1), with a vehicle of any kind, is responsible for a civil infraction.” (MCL 257.654(2))
Can Drivers in a Funeral Procession Go Through Red Lights in Michigan?
Yes, but only after the lead vehicle in the funeral procession has lawfully entered the intersection while the traffic light is green.
Once the lead vehicle enters the intersection, the other vehicles in the procession may follow, even if the traffic light changes to red before they reach the intersection.
Can Motorists Cut Through a Funeral Procession in Michigan?
No. Under MCL 257.654, drivers are prohibited from passing through a designated funeral procession. In practical terms, this can include driving through a gap in the procession, merging into the procession, or otherwise separating members of the procession from the rest of the group.
What are the Consequences for Cutting Through a Funeral Procession in Michigan?
According to MCL 257.654, drivers who pass through a funeral procession are guilty of a civil infraction. Committing such a civil infraction will result in 2 points on your driving record (MCL 257.320a) and an accompanying fine. In Detroit, the fine for driving through a funeral procession is $120 if paid within 14 days, but this amount can vary depending on where the violation occurs.
What Should I Do If I Get into an Accident While Driving in a Funeral Procession in Michigan?
If you are involved in an accident as a member of a funeral procession, the steps you should take after the accident do not differ from that of an ordinary driver in Michigan. Those steps include:
- Seek medical attention right away. Receiving a prompt medical examination protects your health and strengthens potential insurance claims. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor, as many symptoms (like whiplash and concussions) initially go unnoticed.
- Report the accident to police. The responding officer will generate a police report that will serve as a key piece of evidence, should you decide to pursue an injury claim.
- Document the accident scene. Thorough photos and videos of the accident scene can be crucial pieces of evidence in a personal injury case.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get a photo of their driver’s license and their auto insurance details.
- Exchange contact information with witnesses to the accident. If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, witness testimony can be highly beneficial.
- Report the accident to your auto insurance company. Michigan drivers may be entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. Quickly reporting the accident to your insurance company will help avoid delays and denials.
- Consult with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney. An attorney can greatly assist you on the path to compensation after an accident.
Following these steps will protect your health and strengthen your insurance claim(s). While you may be tempted to ignore the accident and proceed with the rest of the funeral procession, this is unfortunately not permissible under Michigan law (MCL 257.617).
Talk to an Experienced Michigan Car Accident Attorney
Funeral processions are granted unique driving privileges under Michigan law. If you fail to stop for a funeral procession, you may be guilty of a civil infraction in Michigan.
Stopping for a funeral procession is important not only because Michigan law gives qualifying funeral processions the right-of-way, but also as a matter of respect for those who are grieving. Drivers who interfere with or cut through a funeral procession can make an already difficult time even more challenging for the mourners.
If you are injured in a funeral procession accident, it is important to reach out to an experienced Michigan car accident attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to review the facts of the accident, preserve critical evidence, and build a strong claim for compensation.
At Femminineo Law, we have been helping Michigan accident victims for over thirty years. The Femminineo Law Accident Response Team knows how to care for clients and make sure all of their unique needs are met throughout the injury claim process.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or schedule a free consultation with Femminineo Law today.
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