Driving Trucks With Flags: Can You Fly the Stars and Stripes From Your Truck?

Flying the Stars and Stripes is one of the most popular and powerful ways to show our patriotism. We fly the flag to pay our respects to our troops and veterans, commemorate holidays like the Fourth of July, or affirm our patriotism daily.

However, you can’t simply stick a flag on your truck in a haphazard manner. You must give it the respect it deserves and take steps to ensure it doesn’t get damaged or fall from your vehicle. Also, you don’t want to cause trouble for other drivers on the road. It’s a good idea to take a closer look at the legality of driving trucks with flags.

Can You Drive Trucks With American Flags?

It’s perfectly legal to drive your truck with one or more American flags flying from its back or another part. There isn’t any law that forbids you from featuring the flag on your vehicle.

There’s a nuance, though. While you can freely drive trucks with American flags, you must follow the rules on mounting and treating flags. Otherwise, the police might pull you over and issue a ticket for violating the law.

Always remember that you’re not alone on the road. You share the roadway with other drivers, who might get distracted by a massive, incorrectly fitted, or wildly fluttering flag.

Guidelines for Trucks With Flags

There are many rules that cover the proper way to fly the Stars and Stripes from your truck. These rules intend to keep you and other people safe on the road. You should also check if your state has passed any relevant laws.

Here are some rules you have to follow when driving your truck with a flag:

Secure the Flag Properly

You can fly the flag from different locations in your truck. Possible spots include the front window, the rear window, and the back bumper, to name a few.

No matter where you set the flag, secure it well. It must withstand the force of the wind when you drive your truck with the pedal to the metal. Otherwise, strong winds might tear the flag off the flagpole and send it flying.

Use Moderately Sized Flags and Flagpoles

Flags come in many sizes. The urge to choose the biggest one available might seem irresistible. After all, you want everyone to see it, especially if you drive a heavy-duty truck.

However, flying a large flag isn’t advisable for several reasons. If you use a flag that’s too tall or long, it might block your view of the road and other vehicles. Depending on the size of the flag and its location, it might partially or fully cover the windshield, one of the side mirrors, or the rear window.

There are also limits on the flagpole’s height that you will mount on your truck and fly the flag from. For example, the height of vehicle loads can’t exceed 14 feet in California. Flagpoles and the flags flying from them are considered loads. As the flag’s size increases, the flagpole must also become taller and more durable.

Taller flagpoles also require greater strength, which usually means heavier weight. They must support their own weight plus that of the flag. Also, tall flagpoles must withstand the force imparted by the flag and the wind.

Certain states might require you to take safety steps if you fly a large flag from your truck. In California, you must put a marker flag at the very end of any load that sticks out at least four feet (48 inches) past the rear body of your truck. The definition of vehicle loads include large flags flying from cars and trucks.

The marker flag must measure at least 12 square inches and be either solid red or fluorescent orange. A second red or orange flag will clash with the looks of Old Glory.

Only Fly the Flag in Places That Allow It

While most places welcome trucks with flags, some locations have rules against them. One prominent example is schools. Many schools don’t permit vehicles with flags, usually reasoning that the flags might distract the students during classes.

If you plan to drive to a school or a similar public venue, check their rules on trucks with flags. You might have to take down the flagpole or use a different vehicle if you don’t want to get turned away at the entrance.

Follow Flag Etiquette

Anyone who flies the Stars and Stripes must follow Public Law 94-344. Also known as the Federal Flag Code or the United States Flag Code, it sets the right flag etiquette.

The US flag code states that you can fly a single flag on the right or passenger’s side of your vehicle. Meanwhile, the left or driver’s side can accommodate other flags, but you must set them at the same height as the one on the right side.

If you fly other flags alongside the American flag, ensure that the Stars and Stripes is the largest and tallest. Furthermore, position the American flag at the center of the flag formation.

When you set up the flag, make sure it won’t get torn. If the flag ends up unserviceable, you must take it down and dispose of it in a dignified way. Usually, you burn the tattered flag, folding it in the proper manner and laying it in a fire that’s big enough to consume the entire thing. However, avoid burning nylon or synthetic flags.

Alternatively, you can place the damaged flag in a box for burial. Or you can turn it over to a veterans service organization like the American Legion, which will handle disposal.

Never fly the flag during severe weather that can damage or carry it off. Instead, take it down and bring it inside.

Don’t fly the flag at night. The only exception is if you illuminate the flag with a light all night.

Never let the flag rest on any part of your truck. Similarly, don’t let it come into contact with the ground.

How To Mount the Flag On Your Truck

Have you decided to fly the flag on your truck? You’ll need one that meets legal and safety standards, a heavy-duty flag pole, and a compatible flag mount.

Before you buy anything, choose where you want to fly the flag on your truck. Possible spots include the front end, windows, the back mirror, the truck bed or its sides, and even the tow hitch. There are even tailgate flagpoles.

The location will determine many things about your purchase, such as the maximum size of the flag and its pole.

Choose a flag mount designed to fit in the location you want. Depending on the design, it can support several flags.

Next comes the flagpole. Pick one that can fly the flag in strong winds without bending or breaking. Aluminum and fiberglass flagpoles offer a great combination of strength and low weight.

Once you have all the items, you can install them on your truck. The flag mount has a primary bracket that secures it to the mounting spot. Fasten the accessory with the appropriate clips and screws.

Fix the flagpole in place on the mount. Ensure the pole doesn’t slide or shake while you drive your truck.

The last step is attaching the American flag to the flagpole. Follow the procedure set by the US flag code. The flag must remain attached to the pole. Keep it clear of your view of your surroundings.

Flags are considered living things that represent their nation. If you follow the rules and respect the Stars and Stripes, you can freely fly it from your truck.

Flag Maintenance Tips

There’s a chance that your flag will get dirty or damaged because of dirt and debris on the road. Over time, you’ll need to wash, iron, and repair it.

Wash the Flag

You can wash the flag once it starts turning brown due to dirt. Use warm water mixed with detergent to remove pollutants. Afterward, you can leave it under the sun to dry. It’s also recommended to clean the pole so the entire thing looks good as new.

Iron the Flag

Ironing the flag is another option, especially when it starts getting wrinkly. Use an iron with a spray or a separate spray bottle with water to add moisture. Ensure the iron isn’t too hot to avoid damaging the flag. If you’re uncomfortable using an iron, a steamer should be easier to use while providing similar results. The only downside is it will take longer than ironing.

Repair the Frays

If you’re confident with your skills, you can even trim the fabric and re-hemm the ends of your flag to prolong its life. Leaving a damaged flag in its condition increases the likelihood of further fraying and unraveling.