AMEND FUNERAL PROCESSION LAW.

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View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
House Bill 660 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 9, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO ALLOW FUNERAL PROCESSIONS TO HAVE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AT INTERSECTIONS REGARDLESS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS OR SIGNALS AND TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY TO THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR OR FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT FOR ANY DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE ACTION OR INACTION OF A PERSON OPERATING A VEHICLE IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION.
Intro. by Alexander.

Status: Ref To Com On Transportation (Senate Action) (Apr 23 2013)

Bill History:

H 660

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 18 2013 - View Summary

    House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

    Amends GS 20-157.1 to delete provision that any person violating subsection (c), (h), or (i) of this section is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of no more than $100.

    Deletes new subsection (c) toGS 20-156, which requires the driver of a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that is a part of a funeral procession operated in accordance with GS 20-157.1.

    Effective December 1, 2013 (was, when it becomes law), and applies to offenses committed on or after that date and to death, personal injury, or property damage occurring on or after that date.

    Makes a conforming change to the title.


  • Summary date: Apr 9 2013 - View Summary

    Amends GS 20-157.1 to add definitions of funeral director and funeral establishment. Also amend the definition of funeral procession to reference a funeral establishment instead of funeral home.

    Provides that when the lead vehicle in a funeral procession has lawfully progressed across an intersection, all vehicles in the procession may proceed through the intersection without stopping (removes requirement that progression be in accordance with the traffic control sign or signal).

    Gives a funeral procession the right of way at intersections regardless of traffic control signs or signals, except that the operator of any vehicle in a procession must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles giving appropriate warning, and must yield the right of way when directed to do so by a law enforcement officer.

    Makes a violation of specified subsections an infraction punishable by a maximum $100 fine.

    Provides that a funeral director, funeral establishment, or any of their employees or agents are not liable for any death, personal injury, or property damage resulting from, caused by, or arising from any action or inaction of an operator of a vehicle in a funeral procession if (i) the funeral procession was operating in accordance with the provisions of this section or (ii) the funeral procession would have been operating in accordance with the provisions of this section but for a negligent act or omission in the operation of one or more vehicles in the funeral procession. Specifies instances when a vehicle operator is deemed to be an agent of the funeral director or establishment.

    Amends GS 20-156 to require drivers to yield the right of way to any vehicle that is a part of a funeral procession.