I received a citation for "failing to yield for a funeral." I was stopped at a red light. What can I do?

Question

I was stopped in the middle lane at a red traffic light. The two cops and the many SUVs and motorcycles came up from behind, took the right turn lane, and turned right. One of the cops went on to lead the procession, and one stayed back. When the light turned green, I went straight, and was immediately pulled over and given a ticket. This took place in Macon, GA. Do I have an obligation to "run" a red light in order to avoid inconveniencing a funeral? Also, there was no indication that it was a funeral. But the cops did have their lights on.

Answer 1

Go to court and let a judge decide.

Answer 2

I believe you were pulled over because you were not supposed to be driving at the time the funeral procession was passing. Much like having an emergency vehicle nearby, when you took off when the light turned green, you were doing a Bad Thing. According to the books, you should've stayed there until the entire procession had passed. Also, the cops saw this as a practically a Gift From Above and took advantage of that fact. Sorry, man. Pushy assholes are generally attracted to authority positions because it allows them to be pushy assholes. The law is on their side and you'll be out court costs if you try and fight it. Just pay the fine, suck it up, and move on with life.

Answer 3

You definitely should not have run the red light, but probably should've stayed where you were until the 2nd officer followed the end of the procession as it finished through the intersection.

If you were stopped at the light when they approached, it's difficult to see that you didn't know it was a funeral. You can always plead your case to the judge, but chances are you'll have to pay.

Answer 4

You are supposed to yield to a funeral. The main reason to this is because the cops are there and directing traffic at that point. You are supposed to be going off what the cop says. If the light is green and the cop tells you to stop you can not go. From what you say it is your fault pay the ticket.

Answer 5

Yes, you have a moral obligation (and apparently a legal one too) to move out of the way of a funeral procession, as much and as quickly as safety allows. It's respect for the dead and their grieving families, as to not get the cars separated and create confusion as they are going to pay their last respects. It's the same with an emergency vehicle such as fire truck, ambulance, or police car although it's rare to be ticketed. You should've stayed put until the procession passed once you realized there was a police escort.

Answer 6

Pay the citation. You earned it.
You are trying to make it seem that you were treated unfairly by implying that the only way to avoid the ticket was to "run a red light".

You should have remained stopped until the funeral procession passed. You didn't notice the procession...Oh well. You got a ticket, for it.
Pay it and shut up. A judge will not tolerate your childish display of irresponsibility.

Answer 7

How in the world did you not know it was a funeral? I'd be worried about the big guy upstairs after that one.

And Hugh Jass, actually Mississippi has the lowest IQ average in the states, about 89, which 11 points below average, which, in turn, means the average person there is intellectually challenged.

Answer 8

You can stop being disrespectful of people who are in pain from their loss. I can't believe that you did not see funeral window stickers or antenna flags nor that all the lights were on.

You have a legal obligation to follow the police commands. You have a moral obligation to not add to a family's grief at a funeral.

I hope that the judge is in a really bad mood when you are in court. If he isn't, try giving him some of that same attitude that you expressed here. That should get him tuned into what kind of low-life is in front of him.

Answer 9

fight it in Court, you can even ask for a jury although a deposit maybe required and if you lose you forfeit the jury pay. I give Honor at all funerals but sometimes road conditions like yours prevent it

Answer 10

keep a gun in the car. shoot the cop. yield for his funeral.
never go anywhere near georgia. the only place on earth that has stupider people than georgia is louisiana. i swear i lost 20 iq points just driving thru atlanta.