The U.S. Flag Code is federal law. Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1. Most Americans break it without knowing. Flying a tattered flag, leaving it out in a thunderstorm, printing it on a napkin and tossing it in the trash. None of that is criminal (the Supreme Court settled that in 1989), but it matters if you care about doing right by the flag you fly.
This guide covers every rule worth knowing, from how to display Old Glory on your porch to what happens when she touches the ground. Consider it the one-stop reference for anyone who takes their flag seriously.
What Is the U.S. Flag Code?
Congress passed the original Flag Code on June 22, 1942. President Roosevelt signed it the same day. The goal was simple: create one set of rules for how civilians should treat the American flag. Before 1942, flag etiquette was a patchwork of state laws and military customs with no national standard.
The code covers everything. How to fly the flag, when to fly it, how to fold it, how to retire it. It applies to flags on buildings, vehicles, caskets, and lapel pins. It even addresses what not to put on a flag (spoiler: advertising).
One thing the code does not do is assign penalties. After the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning counts as protected speech under the First Amendment, enforcement became voluntary. The code is respected because people choose to respect it, not because someone will fine you.
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1942 The year Congress established the U.S. Flag Code, creating the first national standard for civilian flag etiquette. |
Displaying the Flag Outdoors
Outdoor display is where most people start, and where most mistakes happen. The Flag Code has specific instructions depending on whether your flag is on a staff, a pole, a wall, or strung between two buildings.
The basic principle: the union (the blue field with stars) always goes in the position of honor. On a vertical staff, that means the union is at the top. On a flat surface facing a street, the union goes to the flag's own right, which is the observer's left.
★ Quick Reference: Outdoor Display Rules
| On a staff from a building | Union at the peak, flag flies free. Staff angles upward from the wall or windowsill. |
| On a flagpole | Raise briskly, lower ceremoniously. The American flag flies at the top if other flags share the pole. |
| Flat against a wall (horizontal) | Union to the flag's own right (observer's upper left). |
| Suspended over a street | Union faces north on an east-west street, or east on a north-south street. |
| Half-staff | Raise to the peak first, then lower to half-staff. Reverse when lowering at day's end. |
If you're hanging a flag from your house for the first time, we wrote a full step-by-step: How to Hang an American Flag on Your House. That guide covers hardware, angle, and positioning for residential display.
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Displaying the Flag Indoors
Indoor display follows the same union-in-honor principle, but the setting changes the specifics. The code addresses three main indoor scenarios: on a staff in a room, flat on a wall, and in a window.
When the flag stands on a staff in a room (like a church, office, or courtroom), it goes to the speaker's right. That's your left if you're facing the speaker. Any other flags go to the speaker's left. The American flag is always in the position of honor.
Flat on a wall, the rules match outdoor display. The union goes to the flag's own right (upper left from the viewer's perspective). This is the same whether the flag hangs horizontally or vertically. People get this wrong constantly. If the union is on the viewer's upper right, the flag is backwards.
For window display, the union should face the street (outside viewer's left). If you're displaying indoors from an apartment or dorm, the same rule applies.
We covered this topic in depth here: How to Display an American Flag Indoors the Right Way.
Half-Staff Rules and Dates
Flying the flag at half-staff is one of the most visible forms of national mourning. The Flag Code spells out exactly when it happens and how long the flag stays lowered.
The President can order half-staff for any national mourning event. Governors can order it for state-level tragedies. There are also five permanent annual dates written into federal law:
The procedure matters too. You always raise the flag to the peak first, then lower it to half-staff. At the end of the day, raise it back to the peak before lowering it completely. Skipping that step might seem like a small thing, but it's the kind of detail that separates someone who knows the code from someone who's guessing.
For the full breakdown of every half-staff date and the protocol for responding to presidential proclamations, see our dedicated guide: When to Fly Your Flag at Half-Staff.
How to Fold the Flag
The triangular fold is not in the Flag Code itself. It comes from military tradition and has been the standard since at least World War II. The fold produces a triangle of blue and white stars with no red visible, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn during the Revolutionary War.
The process requires two people. You fold lengthwise twice (keeping the blue field on the outside), then make 13 triangular folds from the striped end to the union. The final tuck secures everything into a tight triangle.
| 1 | Hold the flag waist-high with a partner. Each person holds two corners. The flag should be parallel to the ground with nothing dragging. |
| 2 | Fold lengthwise twice. Bring the striped section over the blue field, then fold again so the blue is on the outside. |
| 3 | Start triangular folds from the striped end. Bring the corner to the opposite edge to form a triangle. Continue folding triangles toward the blue field. Make 13 folds total. |
| 4 | Tuck the remaining flap. The final fold should leave only the blue union visible. Tuck any remaining fabric into the pocket of the triangle. |
For the full step-by-step with photos and the meaning behind all 13 folds, check out: How to Fold an American Flag the Right Way.
Retiring a Worn Flag
Section 8(k) of the Flag Code says it plainly: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
That single sentence trips people up. Burning the flag as protest is one thing. Burning a worn flag in a respectful ceremony is the opposite. It's the correct, codified method of retirement.
Signs your flag needs retirement:
You don't have to burn it yourself. The American Legion, VFW, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts all run flag retirement programs. Many fire departments accept worn flags too. Look for a flag drop-off box at your local post office, town hall, or veterans hall.
Full details on both DIY and drop-off options: How to Retire an American Flag the Right Way.
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Common Flag Code Mistakes
Knowing the rules is half the battle. The other half is knowing what people get wrong so you can avoid the same traps. These are the four mistakes we see most often.
MISTAKE 01
Leaving the Flag Out in Bad Weather
The Flag Code says the flag should not be displayed during rain, snow, or wind storms unless it's an all-weather flag. A standard nylon flag can handle light rain, but leaving it out in a thunderstorm will shorten its life and disrespect the code. If your flag isn't rated all-weather, bring it in when storms hit.
MISTAKE 02
Flying a Tattered Flag
A flag with frayed edges, faded colors, or torn stripes is no longer a fitting emblem. Flying one is technically a Flag Code violation. The fix is simple: retire the old flag properly and replace it with a new one. Most people wait too long because they don't inspect their flag regularly.
MISTAKE 03
Displaying the Union on the Wrong Side
When the flag hangs flat on a wall (horizontally or vertically), the union goes to the flag's own right. That's the observer's upper left. Putting it on the upper right means the flag is effectively backwards. This is one of the most common mistakes in businesses and schools.
MISTAKE 04
Flying the Flag at Night Without a Light
The code says the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and flagpoles. If you want to fly it 24/7, it must be illuminated during darkness. A simple spotlight or porch light aimed at the flag satisfies this requirement. No light? Bring it in at sunset.
Mistakes happen. The point isn't perfection. It's caring enough to learn the rules and following them as closely as you can. The fact that you're reading a 2,000-word guide on flag etiquette already puts you ahead of most.
The Dos and Don'ts Quick List
Here's a quick-scan reference for the rules people ask about most. Print it, screenshot it, bookmark it.
★ Do
| Display sunrise to sunset (or 24/7 with a light) |
| Fly the American flag above all other flags on the same pole |
| Raise briskly, lower ceremoniously |
| Fold into a triangle when not in use |
| Retire worn flags by burning or through a veterans' organization |
| Stand and face the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance |
★ Don't
| Let the flag touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise |
| Use the flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery |
| Print the flag on disposable items (napkins, paper plates, etc.) |
| Fly the flag upside down (unless signaling extreme distress) |
| Add marks, letters, or designs to the flag |
| Use the flag for advertising or display it on a float except from a staff |
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most from customers, along with straight answers pulled from the Flag Code and its official interpretations.
Does the flag have to be taken down when it rains?
Only if it's not an all-weather flag. The code says the flag should not be displayed during inclement weather unless it's made of all-weather material. Most modern nylon and polyester flags qualify, but check the manufacturer's rating to be sure.
What happens if the flag touches the ground?
Contrary to popular belief, the code does not say you must destroy a flag that touches the ground. The rule is that the flag should never touch anything beneath it. If it does, simply pick it up, clean it if needed, and continue displaying it. You only retire a flag when it's too worn or damaged for display.
Can I fly my state flag on the same pole as the American flag?
Yes, but the American flag must be on top. No other flag should fly above it on the same pole. If you have separate poles of equal height, the American flag goes on the flag's own right (the viewer's left).
Is wearing flag-themed clothing a Flag Code violation?
This one is misunderstood. The code says the flag itself should not be used as clothing. A T-shirt or hat with a flag design printed on it is not the actual flag, so it's generally considered acceptable. The intent was to prevent people from cutting up real flags and wearing them as garments.
Can I fly my flag at night?
Yes, as long as it's properly illuminated. A solar spotlight, porch light, or dedicated flag light all work. The code's intent is that the flag should be visible and honored, not hidden in darkness.
How do I dispose of a worn flag?
The American Legion, VFW, Boy Scouts, and many fire departments accept worn flags for retirement ceremonies. You can also burn the flag yourself in a private, respectful ceremony. Never throw a flag in the trash.
Flying the flag right is about more than rules. It's about showing that you understand what it represents and that you give it the respect it's earned. Every flag you fly tells your neighbors who you are.
If you're setting up a new flag display, we've got guides for every step: hanging your flag on a house, indoor display, folding, half-staff protocol, and flag retirement.
Planning ahead for the holiday? Read our complete guide to Memorial Day 2026: History, Traditions, and How to Honor It.
For the full story behind one of America's most iconic protest flags, read our guide to the Gadsden flag and its history.
For a closer look at the Thin Blue Line flag and what it represents, read our guide: The Thin Blue Line Flag: What It Means and Why People Fly It.
Want to go deeper into American flag history? Read our complete guide to the Betsy Ross flag for the real story behind the 13-star design.
Shopping for a flagpole? Our guide to choosing the right flagpole covers wall mounts, in-ground poles, and everything in between.
Want to know about other American flag variations? Read our guides to the thin red line flag, thin blue line flag, and Gadsden flag.
Planning for the biggest 4th of July in 250 years? Read our complete guide to celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Want to learn about another iconic American flag? Read our guide to the Gadsden flag and the history of "Don't Tread on Me."
For rules on flying the American flag alongside state flags, thin line flags, and other flags, check out our guide on how to fly the American flag with other flags.
And if you want to learn about the only flag besides Old Glory authorized to fly over the White House, read our guide to the POW/MIA flag and what it means.
For the full story of how the flag evolved over 250 years, read our history of the American flag.
Keeping your flag in good condition is part of proper flag etiquette. Learn exactly how to wash and maintain your flag with our guide to cleaning your American flag.
And if you want to know the history behind the holiday that celebrates the flag itself, read our Flag Day 2026 guide.
Worth reading alongside this: our guide on how to clean an American flag the right way, from machine wash settings to mildew rescue.
Ever wonder why red, white, and blue? We broke down the story behind the flag colors in what the colors of the American flag actually mean.
Curious about the flag itself? We also cover what the colors of the American flag actually mean and where the red, white, and blue actually come from.
For the deeper story behind the triangle and the line recited at each fold, read our guide to the 13 folds of the American flag and what each one means.
If you plan to fly your flag around the clock, also read our guide to can you fly the American flag at night for the Flag Code rule on lighting and setup options.
The Flag Code also governs how to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, including hand position, hat removal, and how veterans may render the salute. Worth knowing if you host or attend patriotic events.
Once you know the rule, you will spot the reverse side flag everywhere: on shoulders, aircraft, and tactical vehicles. We broke down the full story in our guide to why the American flag on military uniforms looks backwards.
Related: The Star-Spangled Banner: History, Lyrics, and Meaning of America's National Anthem covers the full story of Francis Scott Key, Fort McHenry, and the four verses of the anthem.
For the full story of how this country chose its symbols, see our deep dive on the bald eagle and how it became America's national symbol. Different angle, same founding-era thread.
Many Americans wonder whether June 6 is a half-staff day. It is not. Our D-Day guide covers the date, the five beaches, and how to fly the flag that day.
For more on America's symbols, see why the bald eagle is America's national bird and what the Great Seal really means.
If your current flag is past saving, read our new guide on when to replace your American flag before the next Flag Day or Fourth of July weekend.
For the vertical-display version of the rule, read our new guide to hanging an American flag vertically, including wall, porch, and window orientation.
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