Everyone knows that it’s important to have respect for the dead, yet many people don’t seem to understand the importance of pulling over for a funeral procession. That’s why experts are now speaking out to remind the public that not pulling over for a funeral procession is actually a criminal offense in many states in the United States.

People know to pull over for ambulances, squad cars, and fire trucks, but it’s crucial to remember that drivers should do the same thing when a funeral procession is passing. Even if you are in a rush to get someplace, you should always pull to the side of the road and wait respectfully when a funeral procession is passing.

When it comes to funeral processions, states have all different kinds of laws. Some states like Arkansas and Connecticut have no laws when it comes to funeral processions, and people only pull over in these places out of respect. In states like Maryland, a funeral procession can run a red light as long as the first vehicle went through when it was green. In Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, and North Dakota, funeral processions have the right of way at all intersections and can run both red lights and stop signs.

Regardless of the laws in your state, you should still be respectful enough of a funeral procession to pull over. Remind yourself that there are grieving families in these processions, and regardless of what is going on in your life, it is important to not make the day any more difficult for them than it has to be.