Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

AGLO 1982 NO. 24 >

(1) Motor vehicles otherwise lawfully participating in a funeral procession, whether or not accompanied by escort vehicles, are required to obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto unless the particular funeral procession is escorted or controlled by a traffic or police officer who otherwise directs. (2) A county or city ordinance purporting to provide an exemption for funeral processions not provided for by the state motor vehicle code would be invalid.

AGO 1960 NO. 98 >

A funeral director has no legal authority to furnish blood specimens of bodies prior to embalming to law enforcement agencies upon their request.

AGO 1964 NO. 103 >

(1) There is no statutory mandate requiring the embalming of a body prior to cremation. (2) There is no statutory requirement that a coffin be purchased prior to the cremation. (3) There is no statutory mandate requiring that a coffin be consumed with the corpse. (4) The manner in which a person may deposit or dispose of cremated remains is restricted by § 28, chapter 247, Laws of 1943 (cf. RCW 68.08.130). (5) A funeral director and a crematorium operator, like any individual, may be held accountable for any misrepresentation, the legal relief to be afforded being dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case.