§ 2131.24. Right-of-way of funeral procession.

(a)

As used in this section, "funeral procession" means two (2) or more vehicles accompanying the body of a deceased person in the daytime when each of such vehicles has its headlights lighted and is displaying a purple and white pennant attached to each vehicle in such a manner as to be clearly visible to traffic approaching from any direction.

(b)

Excepting public safety vehicles proceeding in accordance with Section 2131.21 or when directed otherwise by a police officer, pedestrians and the operators of all vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to each vehicle which is part of a funeral procession. Whenever the lead vehicle in a funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, the remainder of the vehicles in such procession may continue to follow such lead vehicle through the intersection notwithstanding any traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions of this Traffic Code, provided the operator of each vehicle exercises due care to avoid colliding with any other vehicle or pedestrian upon the roadway.

No person shall operate any vehicle as a part of a funeral procession without having the headlights of such vehicle lighted and without displaying a purple and white pennant in such a manner as to be clearly visible to traffic approaching from any direction.

No driver of any vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral procession while in motion.

(c)

No funeral procession shall occupy High Street between Buttles Avenue and Mound Street, except to cross such street. However, Council may waive this prohibition by resolution.

(d)

Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 4511.451; Ord. 1579-72: Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part).)