All motorists at some point are likely to find themselves behind a slow-moving funeral procession. But how should you behave, and is it ever OK to overtake?

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 Our hearse usually travels at around 20mph, and even on busy roads, that speed has the potential to create long queues.
While drivers are often wary of appearing disrespectful by overtaking a procession, they also don't usually want to feel like they're intruding in the group by driving directly behind it.
​A hearse will typically lead the funeral procession, which is usually followed by a chauffeur-driven limousine carrying immediate family and close friends. Other guests may also travel behind in their own vehicles.

Why does a funeral cortège travel so slow?

• Firstly, it emulates the slow, sombre march of a traditional funeral procession.
• Secondly, it is a strategy used to prevent other drivers on the road from separating the group.
• The slow speed also allows the vehicles in the procession to drive closer together, again, reducing the chance of getting separated during the journey.

​If you find yourself meeting a hearse or funeral cortège on the road, what should you do?

• Whatever your decision, it's incredibly important to ensure that you are respectful of the procession whilst sticking to the rules of The Highway Code.
• There are no specific rules in the UK regarding funeral processions, but there are things you can do.
• Moving to a different lane is deemed the easiest way to respectfully let the group pass. Pulling over and waiting for the procession to pass by is an enormous sign of respect but only if it is safe to do so.
• If you are behind a cortège, the best you can do is be patient and wait for a time to legally overtake or find an alternative route to your destination.

Oliver recommends road users should follow these tips:-

• Give way to the hearse and funeral cars
  
• Don’t cut into a funeral procession
  
• Avoid listening to loud music
  
• Don’t beep your horn
  
• Only overtake a procession on a dual carriageway

If you are part of the cortège in your own vehicle.

If you are a family member or friend of the deceased who has been invited to join the cortège in your own vehicles, here are things you can do to make sure you stay with the group:-

• Arrive early - This gives you a chance to park close to the other cars in the procession before it sets off, and check what order the cars will be travelling in.
• Check the route - This will allow you to rejoin the procession if you get left behind.
• Turn your lights on - The hearse and limousine drivers will switch their lights on during the procession. Having your lights on too will make you appear part of the Cortège.
• Try to drive close - Drive as close as you can to the car in front while leaving a safe braking distance between you. Try not to let drivers who aren’t part of the procession cut in.
• Don't panic if you get split up - This sometimes happens. Just continue on the route and rejoin the group later.