Respect this little-known road rule
Let’s face it: you should respect all road rules, especially ones involving those who’ve passed away.
If you’ve ever driven near a hearse with a convoy of vehicles following closely behind, you may have wondered what’s the most respectful way to drive. Is it ever okay to overtake a car carrying a coffin? Can I cut in front of a funeral procession? Take note: the latter isn’t just bad manners; it’s been illegal since 2024.
The relatively new Australian Road Rule prohibits road users from pushing in between procession vehicles travelling on the road, including at intersections and roundabouts.
If you’re caught carelessly cutting in, the penalty is a $133 fine, plus the $108 Victims of Crime Levy.
If you’re impatient and drive dangerously to get around a funeral procession, you can be charged with other offences, like speeding, tailgating or failing to give way.
Grieving also doesn’t give drivers the green light to break the rules. Forget running red lights and speeding; road rules still apply even when you’re travelling as part of a funeral cortege.
According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the funeral procession shouldn’t unnecessarily hold up traffic.
“They shouldn’t travel at a pace that is significantly slower than the speed limit,” Charles says. “They may travel a little under the posted speed limit, depending on the conditions,” he says.
If you find yourself in the middle of a funeral procession, Charles advises motorists to try to pull over safely if it’s practicable.
“Let the whole procession through once the hearse and convoy has passed if you safely can,” he says.
“Driving with caution and following the rules is important, as is common sense and manners so don’t push into the line and certainly don’t honk.”
Remember, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, for any reason, can be a matter of life or, dare we say it, death.