Curious whether it’s okay to fly the American flag at night? There’s a lot of pride in that star-spangled banner, but you’ve got to follow some rules when displaying it. The U.S. Flag Code has all the guidelines. Enacted on June 22, 1942, this federal law tells you how to properly handle Old Glory—whether it’s at your business or home. Intrigued about what it says? Let’s dive into the rules about nighttime flag displays. Spoiler alert: there’s a trick to keeping that flag flying 24/7!
It’s Customary to Display the American Flag From Sunrise to Sunset
According to the U.S. Flag Code, it’s customary to display the American flag from sunrise to sunset. Depending on where you live, as well as the time of year, sunrise may occur around 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., whereas sunset occurs around 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. During these hours, you can proudly display the American flag in front of your home or business.
Yes, You Can Also Display the American Flag at Night
In addition to displaying the American Flag from sunrise to sunset, you can also display at night — assuming you illuminate it. What does this mean exactly? It means you should use a light fixture to illuminate it. If you’re planning to display the American flag past sunset, consider installing an exterior spotlight in front of your flag. By projecting the spotlight upward, it will illuminate your American Flag.
The U.S. Flag Code specifically states the following in regards to displaying the American flag at night:
“It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.”
To display your American flag at night, start by choosing an appropriate area in front of your home or business. After raising the Flag to the top of the flagpole, install an exterior light in front of it and face the light towards the flag. The light should be positioned so that it strikes the actual flag and the not the ground below it. By following these steps, you can proudly the American flag all 24 hours of the day.
The bottom line is that it’s perfectly fine to display the American flag at night, but you need to illuminate it with a light fixture.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
