§ 50-423. Vehicle processions.

(a)

Definition. For the purpose of this section, the term "vehicle procession" shall be deemed to mean:

(1)

A group of motor vehicles;

(2)

Preceded by a vehicle of a law enforcement agency with blue warning light activated;

(3)

Traveling in single file with headlamps illuminated and emergency four-way flashers activated; and

(4)

The lead vehicle shall bear a distinctive flag or marker.

(b)

Right-of-way; penalty for violation of section. The operator of any motor vehicle traveling upon, along or through any public street or highway, or entering upon or leaving such street or highway, shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle procession. A vehicle procession shall be accorded the right-of-way at any intersection, regardless of the method of traffic control at such intersection or whether or not the same shall be activated. Any operator of any motor vehicle who shall fail to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle procession shall be liable for an infraction and shall be assessed a penalty of $35.00 and court costs for each such failure.

(c)

Driving through vehicle procession. No vehicle not a portion of a vehicle procession shall be driven through any such procession, and the operator of any vehicle violating this subsection shall be guilty of an infraction and a fine of $35.00 and court costs for each such violation. This subsection shall not apply to emergency vehicles as defined in G.S. 20-156 and G.S. 20-157, when operated in conformance with the provisions of G.S. 20-156 and G.S. 20-157.

(d)

Speed of vehicle procession. A vehicle procession may proceed at a speed not in excess of 20 miles per hour, and shall be driven at a rate less than the maximum stated in this section if caution and circumspection shall dictate such reduced speed.

(Code 1971, § 31-154)