How to Fly the American Flag on Your Car

Adam Kunes, February 5, 2019

On the 4^th of July, it’s not uncommon to see cars zipping around your town with American flags flapping proudly behind them. Some people mount them in the bed of their truck; others attach them to windows to fly them above the roof. Some people even drape them on the side of their cars for all to see.

It begs a question: what’s the appropriate way to fly an American flag on your car? Are there any rules you need to follow or any specific ways to avoid flying the flag? It’s important to show your patriotism, but in the right way.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how to fly the American flag on your car: what to do and what to avoid.

Is it Disrespectful to Display the Flag on a Vehicle?

Before we get into how to fly the American flag on your car, truck or motorcycle, we should address a common concern. Many people worry about it being offensive to display the flag on their vehicle. There are two ways to display a flag on your vehicle while remaining respectful.

• The first one is a bumper sticker which displays the flag.
• The second is displaying a small, motor vehicle flag with a proper flag mount on the car.

Both options are considered acceptable and respectful, however, draping a real flag over your vehicle in any other way is considered disrespectful to the flag.

Tips for Displaying Flags on Cars and Motorcycles

Now that you know the two acceptable ways to display the flag, here are a couple of simple tips that make it easier for you to fly it with pride while you drive around town:

• You can mount a flag on either the center of the roof, the passenger side hood, or the rear of the vehicle on the trunk. For motorcycles, you can easily install a flag mount on the rear of the bike. The flags should not be placed on the left side or driver's side of the vehicle. Make sure the flag doesn't obstruct the view of the driver or create any safety concerns.
• Always fly the American flag in the center of a row of other flags if flying more than one flag type. You should also make sure all the flags are angled at the same angle for a unified look.
• Never fly any flag higher than the American flag. The American flag should be at the center of other flags but placed above the other flags for proper respect.
• Make sure the American flag is not only placed higher up, but is also the largest flag when flying more than one flag at once. You want the American flag to be the star of the show when flying multiple vehicle flags, so make sure it's bigger and placed higher up than the other flags.
• Maintain the appearance of the flag. An American flag with tears, holes, stains or fading is a sign of disrespect to the flag. Make sure you regularly inspect the flag for wear and tear and clean it regularly to maintain a proper appearance.

Above all, make sure that the pole of mount you use to secure the flag to your vehicle is strong, sturdy and rated to support the size of the flag you’re using. The last thing you want is for the flag to become detached or fall off entirely! Not letting the flag touch the ground is a cardinal rule, and losing the flag in traffic isn’t just embarrassing—it’s disrespectful.

Always Treat the American Flag with Integrity

There are many reasons why a person might fly the American flag on their vehicle—namely holidays or formal processions. If you’re the type of person who wants to put your patriotism on display every day of the year, you might opt for an American flag bumper sticker or window decal. This is the safest way to put your patriotic sprit on display for all to see.

And, of course, you can always deck yourself out in patriotic gear from The Flag Shirt! No matter what kind of car you drive, everyone will see your patriotic sentiment as soon as you step out from behind the wheel wearing red, white and blue flag-inspired apparel.

Visit The Flag Shirt and explore our large selection of patriotic clothing. From American flag polo shirts and button down shirts and other accessories, you’ll find any type of American-themed clothing and accessories you’re looking for! Come browse styles for men, women and kids, and show your patriotic spirit in the most stylish way possible.