Although some restrictions and requirements must be met, driving in a parade is lawful in California. Certain limitations of the vehicle law that would otherwise apply on public roads are often waived for procession participants, including drivers. Nonetheless, the authorities have established particular rules and regulations to guarantee the safety of parade participants.
When driving in a parade, you must consider the following:
Permit Requirement: Parade organizers frequently have to get a permit from the local government, and participants must abide by specific rules stated in the permit.
Vehicle Safety: Those participating in a parade should ensure that their vehicles are safely decorated and that no props or decorations could injure the participants or the spectators.
Traffic Control: Local law enforcement or parade organizers may offer traffic control to enable participants to travel safely and avoid causing delays to regular traffic.
Speed Limits: Participants must usually maintain a safe and appropriate speed, even if there may be some exceptions to the standard traffic laws.
Moreover, according to California Vehicle Code 23116, drivers are prohibited from transporting any person in or on the back of a pickup truck or flatbed motor truck on a highway. Similarly, individuals are not allowed to ride in or on the back of such vehicles while driving on a highway.
However, this may not apply if the person in the back of the truck or flatbed motor truck is being transported as part of a parade supervised by a law enforcement agency and the truck's speed during the parade does not exceed eight miles per hour.
Individuals intending to participate in a parade or procession should check and adhere to the rules or guidelines to ensure their safety.