Planning to show off the American flag? People often put the Stars and Stripes outside their home, but some like having it on their vehicle. Got a car, truck, or SUV? Display the American flag proudly! The U.S. Flag Code—federal laws about the flag’s display, care, and retirement—covers cars too. It doesn’t ban flag display on vehicles, but there are rules to follow.
Don’t Drape From Your Vehicle’s Hood, Back, Top or Sides
If you’re going to display the American flag on your vehicle, avoid draping it from your vehicle’s hood, back, top or sides. It’s certainly easy, as well as convenient, to lay the American flat across a vehicle, but this isn’t proper etiquette. The U.S. Flag Code specifically says that the American flag should not be draped on a vehicle’s hood, back, top or sides.
Mount a Pole to Your Vehicle’s Chassis
Rather than draping the American flag on your vehicle, you should display it on a mounted pole. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the proper way to display the American flag on a vehicle is to use a mounted pole, also known as a flagstaff, located in the middle of the chassis or right fender. Why the right fender exactly? Well, when you drive forward, the American flag will drape backwards naturally in the wind to create a patriotic effect.
Raise Flag to the Top of the Flagpole
It’s also important to raise the American flag to the top of the flagpole. Unless it’s a holiday or day of remembrance that’s commonly associated with half-staff flag flying, the American flag should be displayed at the very top of the flagpole. Also known as half-mast, flying the flag at half-staff is reserved for special occasions, typically those involving honoring and remembering an important person or figure.
Don’t Display Other Flags Higher Than the American Flag
You aren’t restricted to only displaying the American flag on your vehicle. You can display other flags in conjunction with it. When displaying multiple flags on your vehicle, though, make sure the American flag is the highest. No other flag should be higher than the American flag.
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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
