Georgias Funeral Procession Code

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Ill just be honest; I dont like funerals. Funerals are usually filled with grief and sorrow, especially if the passing was due to a tragedy. Having said that, there is one part of the funeral process that I enjoy the procession to the final resting place.

The Cherokee Sheriffs Office and municipal police departments often provide a police escort from the funeral service to the cemetery. When my dad passed away a few years ago, I remember how honored our family was to have such an escort. As we made our way from the church to the National Cemetery, my heart was full of pride to watch his final farewell.

Our procession was led by a patrol car and motorcycles with their lights activated. The deputies and officers moved with gentle precision, as we rolled onto the road and made our way to the cemetery. While we drove down the road, traffic stopped, and some drivers even exited their cars to give my dad a final salute. My eyes filled with tears. Call it a southern tradition if you will, but it is something that lifts my spirit every time.

Here are a few things to remember should you happen to drive upon a funeral procession. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 40-6-76 states the following:

(a) As used in this Code section, a funeral procession means an array of motor vehicles in which the lead vehicle displays a sign, pennant, flag, or other insignia furnished by a funeral home indicating a funeral procession unless led by a state or local law enforcement vehicle, and each vehicle participating in the funeral procession is operating its headlights.

(b) Funeral processions shall have the right of way at intersections subject to the following conditions and exceptions:

(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.

(c) Funeral processions escorted by the police, a sheriff, or a sheriffs deputy shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Local governments may, by ordinance, provide for such escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of such service.

(d) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession shall not interrupt a funeral procession except when authorized to do so by a traffic officer or when such vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle giving an audible and visual signal.

(e) Operators of vehicles not a part of a funeral procession shall not join a funeral procession by operating their headlights for the purpose of securing the right of way granted by this Code section to funeral processions.
(f) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession shall not attempt to pass vehicles in a funeral procession on a two-lane highway.

(g) Any person violating subsection (d), (e), or (f) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00.

As a final note, if you are in the procession, always use caution and never take for granted that you have the right of way. Always leave sufficient space between vehicles in case of a sudden stop.

It is an honor to be your sheriff, and I am always at your ser