Last Updated: July 2026

Do you know the rules of American flag etiquette? There are rules dictating flying at half-staff, when to fly the flag, carrying the flag, folding the flag, and displaying with other flags. I do realize the rules of etiquette for an American flag may seem complicated, but they are quite simple to follow.

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Flying at Half-Staff

“Half-staff” means the position of the American flag is halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Flag etiquette dictates the flag to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, then raise it back to the top, Patriot Day (September 11), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), and death of a government official.

Other designated half-staff observance days include Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), National Healthcare Recognition and National Firefighters Memorial Day, and National POW/MIA Recognition Day (the third Friday in September). The President — and governors within their own states — can also order flags to half-staff for other occasions, such as the death of a sitting or former public official, a mass casualty event, or a state day of mourning. This is why you’ll sometimes see flags lowered on days not on the standard calendar; local news or your state’s governor’s office is usually the fastest way to confirm the reason.

When to Fly the American Flag

There are several designated dates to fly an American flag throughout the year. The most noted are Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. In addition, to specific days of the year is time of day constraints. For flags that are stationary on a building or a flagpole it is customary to fly them from sunrise to sunset. American flags can be flown at night provided it is properly illuminated. This means the flag must have its own dedicated spotlight and then it can be flown twenty-four hours per day if desired.

Flag Day and Independence Day, observed June 14 and July 4, are two of the most widely celebrated flying occasions. On both days, it’s customary to display the flag outside homes and businesses from sunrise to sunset (or overnight if properly lit). If you’re attending a parade or fireworks display, keep the flag away from ground contact and clear of any open flame — a detail that matters more on the Fourth than any other day of the year given how common backyard fireworks are.

Flying in bad weather: The flag should generally not be flown during rain, snow, or high wind unless it’s an all-weather flag made of nylon or polyester, which are designed to hold up in the elements. A cotton flag left out in a storm can be damaged quickly and should be brought in.

Carrying the American Flag

The American flag should never be carried flat or horizontally — it should always be carried aloft and free. An exception is when it’s draped over a casket at a funeral. In recent years, large-scale flat or horizontal displays of the flag (such as full-field displays at stadiums during patriotic ceremonies) have also become an accepted exception when performed as an organized, respectful tribute. Outside of these exceptions, the flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it (4 U.S.C. §8).

Folding the American Flag

Since the American flag should not be carried flat, folding it may be necessary for transportation, storage or display. In addition to the flag being folded by civilians, it is a procedure performed by members of the Armed Forces. Members of the Armed Forces fold the American flag after it is lifted from the casket at a military funeral. It is then presented to the next of kin. There are not specifics as how to the flag should be folded, but a standard American flag will require thirteen folds. To be more specific there should be two lengthwise folds and eleven triangular folds, with the final fold tucked in so only the blue field of stars is visible.

Displaying American Flag with Other Flags

American flags must be placed in a position of prominence over all other flags since it represents the government and in America, the government is the highest authority. In most cases, the American flag is displayed above church flags. It should be larger or equivalent to the size of other flags on the pole or staff. The American Flag should be hoisted first and lowered last when flown with other flags. There is one narrow, official exception to this rule: under 4 U.S.C. §7(c), the church pennant may be flown above the national flag during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea.

Other common display situations:

• Hanging on a wall: When displayed flat or vertically (as in a window), the union (blue field) should be to the flag’s own right, which is the viewer’s left.
• On a vehicle: The flag should be firmly affixed to the chassis or clamped to the right fender — never draped over the car, hood, or trunk.
• On a speaker’s platform: The flag should be positioned to the speaker’s right as they face the audience.

Retiring a Worn or Damaged Flag

When a flag becomes worn, faded, or torn beyond repair, it shouldn’t simply be thrown in the trash. The U.S. Flag Code calls for it to be “destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Many people aren’t equipped to do this properly at home, so the easiest option is to drop off the flag at a collection box — commonly found at VFW posts, American Legion halls, Scouting organizations, and some fire stations — which will retire it through a respectful ceremony, often around Flag Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash an American flag?
Yes. Cotton flags can typically be hand-washed with mild soap; nylon and polyester flags are usually machine-washable on a gentle cycle. Always let it air dry fully before refolding or storing.

Is it illegal to burn or desecrate the flag?
No — in the U.S., flag burning as a form of protest is protected as free speech under the First Amendment, per the 1989 Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson. This is separate from the ceremonial burning used to retire a worn flag.

Can the flag be flown 24 hours a day without lighting?
No. If you want to fly the flag overnight, it must be illuminated by a dedicated light source. Without proper lighting, it should be brought in at sunset.

What happens to a flag presented at a military funeral?
After being folded into the triangular shape, it’s presented to the next of kin by a service member as a token of the nation’s gratitude for the deceased’s service.

Can two flags fly on the same pole?
Generally no — the American flag should be the only flag on a single pole, positioned above any other flag if multiple poles are used together.

A note on enforcement: The U.S. Flag Code uses advisory language (“should,” not “must” or “shall”) and carries no criminal penalty for civilians who don’t follow it — meaning these are etiquette standards and traditions rather than enforceable laws.

Don’t forget the rules of flag etiquette and show the world you’re proud to be an American!