American flag etiquette centers on giving the flag the position of honor, displaying it in the correct orientation and protecting it from damage. The U.S. Flag Code explains the customs for daylight and nighttime display, other flags, half-staff observances, ceremonies, handling and retirement.
Start with the situation below, then follow the linked original guidance for a formal event or unusual arrangement. Military units and public agencies may also follow their own regulations.
Updated and sources reviewed October 17, 2026.
American Flag Etiquette at a Glance
- On a wall: Place the blue union uppermost and to the viewer’s left, horizontally or vertically.
- In a window: Check the orientation from the street-facing side.
- On a projecting staff: Put the union at the staff’s peak.
- After dark: Provide proper illumination for continuous outdoor display.
- In inclement weather: Use an all-weather flag and follow equipment limits.
- At half-staff: Raise to the peak before lowering to half-staff, and return to the peak before taking it down.
- When worn out: Retire a flag respectfully when it is no longer suitable for display.
What Is the U.S. Flag Code?
The Flag Code codifies customs for civilian display and use of the national flag. Its central etiquette provisions are in Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code.
The sections most useful for everyday display are § 6 for timing, § 7 for placement, § 8 for respectful handling and § 9 for conduct during raising, lowering or a passing flag. The Pledge of Allegiance appears in § 4.
These civilian display customs should not be confused with a general system of fines for etiquette mistakes. The Congressional Research Service’s flag-law overview explains that most provisions lack explicit enforcement mechanisms. Separate laws, military regulations and property or event rules can address particular situations.
When Should You Display the American Flag?
4 U.S.C. § 6 describes sunrise to sunset as the customary period for outdoor display on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. It also allows 24-hour display when the flag is properly illuminated during darkness.
Nighttime illumination
Plan dependable lighting that makes the flag recognizable after dark. The Code does not set one fixture type or lumen requirement. Check the actual coverage as the flag moves, and consider seasonal changes if using a solar light.
Rain, snow and severe weather
The Code’s inclement-weather exception is for an all-weather flag. That label does not guarantee that the pole, bracket or fabric can withstand every storm.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating limits and remove the flag ahead of dangerous weather when safe. Do not attempt removal once conditions put you at risk.
Everyday display and patriotic occasions
Display is encouraged throughout the year, with special occasions listed in § 6. Familiar examples include Flag Day on June 14, Independence Day on July 4 and Veterans Day on November 11. Memorial Day has a special half-staff schedule, explained below.
For routine operation, the Code calls for raising the flag briskly and lowering it ceremoniously. Keep the fabric clear of the ground while attaching, removing or folding it.
How to Position the American Flag on a Wall, Porch or Window
| Display | Correct position |
|---|---|
| Horizontal wall | Blue union in the upper-left corner as you face the flag |
| Vertical wall | Blue union remains uppermost and to the viewer’s left |
| Window | Union to the left of the observer looking in from the street |
| Staff projecting from a building | Union at the peak, unless appropriately displayed at half-staff |
These positions come from 4 U.S.C. § 7. The viewer-left rule for a flat display does not mean you should reverse a normally attached flag on a pole.
Keep a flying flag clear of the roof, wall, railings and plants. For practical mounting and clearance advice, read our guide to displaying the American flag at home.
How to Display the U.S. Flag With Other Flags
Choose the arrangement for the flags involved. State and organizational flags follow different placement customs from a display of multiple national flags.
- On one halyard: Place the U.S. flag above state, city or organizational flags.
- On adjacent staffs: Hoist the U.S. flag first and lower it last; another state or organizational flag should not be above it or to the U.S. flag’s own right.
- In a group of state or local flags: Give the U.S. flag the center and highest position.
- On crossed staffs against a wall: Place the U.S. flag on its own right—the viewer’s left—with its staff in front.
- With another country’s flag: Use separate staffs of equal height and flags of approximately equal size during peacetime.
Check the pole’s approved combined load before adding flags. For international, military or government events, follow the responsible organization’s protocol alongside the statutory text.
American Flag Half-Staff Rules
For a half-staff observance, first raise the flag to the peak briefly, then lower it to the half-staff position. Before taking it down, raise it to the peak again and then lower it ceremoniously.
The Code defines half-staff as halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Review the date, duration and jurisdiction of an official proclamation rather than relying on an undated notice.
Recurring observances to know
| Occasion | Date | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Officers Memorial Day | May 15 | Half-staff unless it coincides with Armed Forces Day |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff |
| Patriot Day | September 11 | Follow the annual proclamation requesting half-staff display |
| National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | December 7 | Follow the annual proclamation requesting half-staff display |
The first two appear in § 7. The annual-proclamation provisions for Patriot Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day are in Title 36.
Who announces half-staff observances?
Presidential directions can establish national observances; governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia have authority in specified circumstances within their jurisdictions. Agency instructions may also apply to facilities under their control.
USA.gov’s flag guidance provides an overview. For a specific day, consult the relevant official federal, state or agency announcement.
Ceremonies, Parades, Vehicles and Caskets
On a speaker’s platform
A flat flag belongs above and behind the speaker. A flag on a staff in a church or public auditorium holds the place of honor at the speaker’s right as the speaker faces the audience.
In a procession
Carry the U.S. flag on the marching right, or ahead of the center when other flags form a line. The Flag Code provides additional rules for streets, corridors and lobbies; check § 7 for those less-common arrangements.
On a vehicle or float
Use a staff rather than draping an actual flag over a vehicle. For a motorcar, the Code describes a staff fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. On a parade float, § 7 also permits a flat display following its wall-display provisions. Use equipment appropriate for the vehicle and application.
On a casket
Place the union at the head and over the deceased person’s left shoulder. The flag should not enter the grave or touch the ground.
The VA’s burial-flag guidance explains the benefit and care instructions. If preserving a folded flag afterward, use our burial flag display-case sizing guide before selecting a case.
Respectful Handling and Use
4 U.S.C. § 8 addresses respect for the flag. Its everyday principles include protecting the fabric from damage and avoiding uses that turn the flag into a covering, container or advertising surface.
- Do not dip the U.S. flag to a person or thing.
- Keep it from touching the ground, floor, water or merchandise.
- Do not add words, logos, drawings or insignia to the flag.
- Use purpose-made bunting for decorative folds rather than an actual flag.
- Do not use the flag itself as clothing, bedding, drapery or a container.
- Under the Code, an upside-down union signals dire distress involving extreme danger to life or property.
The current exception for horizontal carrying
The usual custom is to carry the flag aloft and free. A December 23, 2024 amendment to § 8(c) added a limited exception for respectful horizontal carrying when necessary in limited circumstances as part of a military or patriotic observance.
That exception belongs in current guidance; an unqualified statement that horizontal carrying is never allowed omits the amended text.
Actual flags and flag-themed clothing
The American Legion’s flag FAQs distinguish a printed flag design on clothing from clothing made out of an actual flag. Its practical interpretation allows flag-themed apparel while advising against repurposing the flag itself.
Saluting the Flag, the Pledge and the National Anthem
During raising, lowering or a passing flag
Under 4 U.S.C. § 9, those in uniform render the military salute. Armed Forces members and veterans out of uniform may salute; others face the flag at attention with the right hand over the heart, following the section’s headwear guidance. Citizens of other countries stand at attention.
During the Pledge of Allegiance
4 U.S.C. § 4 describes standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. People in uniform remain silent and render the military salute; service members and veterans out of uniform may also salute.
During the national anthem
36 U.S.C. § 301 addresses the anthem separately. Uniformed individuals salute from the first note to the last; service members and veterans out of uniform may salute. Others face the flag at attention with a hand over the heart, following the statute’s headwear guidance. If no flag is displayed, face the music.
Flag Care, Storage and Respectful Retirement
Inspect the flag’s seams, fly end and attachments regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, dry the flag completely before storage and keep it in a clean, dry place.
The Flag Code does not require immediate destruction after accidental ground contact. Inspect and clean the flag as needed; the American Legion advises that a flag still suitable for display can continue in use.
When a flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, § 8(k) calls for dignified destruction, preferably by burning. Contact a local veterans organization about its retirement process, particularly for synthetic fabrics. The Code does not prescribe a single required retirement ceremony.
Our American flag cleaning, storage and retirement guide covers practical care in more detail.
Common Flag Etiquette Myths
- “It can only fly on holidays.” The Code encourages everyday display.
- “The stars move to the upper right on a vertical wall.” They remain on the observer’s upper left.
- “The U.S. flag must always be higher than another nation’s flag.” Peacetime international displays use separate staffs of equal height.
- “A flag that touches the ground must be burned.” Suitability for continued display matters; accidental contact alone does not require retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the American flag stay outside overnight?
Yes, when properly illuminated during darkness. Otherwise, sunrise to sunset is the customary outdoor display period.
Can the American flag stay up in the rain?
The inclement-weather exception is for an all-weather flag. Follow the pole and flag manufacturer’s limits and prepare for severe weather in advance.
Which side should the stars be on when a flag hangs vertically?
Uppermost and to the observer’s left. Check from the viewing side before securing the display.
Is the flag at half-staff all day on Memorial Day?
No. The Flag Code specifies half-staff until noon, followed by full-staff display for the remainder of the day.
Is a triangular fold required for every flag in storage?
The traditional triangular fold is widely used, especially in ceremonies. The Flag Code does not prescribe one mandatory storage fold; protect the flag from damage and follow appropriate ceremonial instructions when applicable.
Where should I put a name, military emblem or memorial message?
Use a separate plaque, frame or case rather than attaching it to the flag. A suitable display case can preserve the flag while providing a separate area for personalization.
When choosing a replacement, review the exact flag’s dimensions, material and manufacturing-origin statement. Explore American-made flags at BuyAmerican.com and choose one suited to your display.
Source links above lead to the U.S. Code, official government guidance and the American Legion’s practical interpretations. For a specific formal ceremony, follow the responsible organization’s instructions.
