Here’s what we’d like you to know about funeral cortege etiquette.

Who travels with the funeral procession/cortege?

Usually family and sometimes close friends. Distant family and other friends/neighbours would follow the limousines in their own vehicles or meet the procession where the service is being held.

Does the procession/cortege always leave from the home of the person who has died?

Traditionally yes, but the procession can also leave from a relative’s home or even the address where people will return to after the service, the funeral home for instance. Not sure? Check with the family or funeral director.

If you are driving your own vehicle within a funeral procession/cortege

Preparation

Clean your car thoroughly, it’s a mark of respect. Vehicle in good working order? Breakdowns not ideal!

Driving in the procession

First wait for the cortege to assemble. Turn your headlights on. Approximate speed 15-25 mph on roads increasing to around 35-40 mph on dual carriageways and 55-60mph on motorways. Drive safely, however do not allow room for a vehicle not in the procession to cut in front of you.

Drive defensively.

Do not leave your place in the funeral procession line unless there is an emergency. Just follow. No need for satellite navigation systems! We can provide cortege markers for vehicles following the procession to alert passing motorists that they are travelling slowly because they are in a funeral cortege.

Funeral Procession/Cortege nearby. What you should do?

If you are driving

If you see a funeral procession/cortege we recommend the following advice:

• Be respectful. Give the procession/cortege right of way.
• Slow down. If necessary use a different route.
• Keep your distance & don’t cut into the funeral procession.
• Don’t use your horn or overtake.
• Turn down music.
• If you are travelling in the opposite direction, there is no real issue. Just don’t cut in front of the hearse if you are waiting to turn across its path or rev the engine as you pass a funeral procession.

The respect and courtesy you show the funeral procession will be greatly appreciated

If you are a pedestrian

Stopping what you are doing is usually welcomed and the good old-fashioned doffing of the cap or removing your hat altogether still goes down well. Try not to cross the road in front of a funeral procession/cortege.