How to Properly Fly Your American Flag at Night

Flying the American flag is a meaningful way to show your patriotism and love for our great country. While many people have a flag display at their homes or offices, they may not realize the ins and outs of correct flag etiquette. The U.S. Flag Code has specific rules regarding the nighttime display of the stars and stripes, including proper illumination procedures. Making sure the flag of the United States of America receives the respect it deserves is an easy way to honor America.  

Is it Illegal to Fly the American Flag at Night Without a Light? 

While there is no federal law that makes it illegal to fly an American flag at night without a light source, the U.S. Flag Code does have strict guidelines you should follow. The Flag Code states that it’s customary to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset. However, if you want to keep it atop the flagpole throughout the hours of darkness, you must have “proper illumination.” What does proper illumination mean? Let’s discuss it further below. 

Tips for Lighting Your American Flag 

Before adding any lighting to your flag display, it’s important to understand the requirements and guidelines involved. Here are a few key tips to keep your display both respectful and in line with local and national guidelines. 

Understand Restrictions 

While your HOA cannot prevent you from displaying your American flag, they can impose restrictions on the manner in which it is displayed. Many cities and neighborhoods have strict guidelines about installing flagpoles and lights. It’s always best to research local ordinances or contact your HOA before installing a flagpole light. The last thing you want is to receive fines for not getting the proper permits or permissions beforehand. While most small disc solar lights are compliant, we still recommend getting approval before adding them to your display.  

Check for Underground Wires 

Before you install a flagpole or wired lighting, you should always call 811 before you dig. Many homeowners don’t realize they have underground wires and cables running throughout their yards, which can be very dangerous if you accidentally hit them. When you call 811, they will tell you if there’s any area on your property where it’s not safe to dig so you can create a beautiful flag display without risking your life or the lives of others. 

Use Stronger Lights 

While it may be tempting to use ambient lighting, many times, it’s not strong enough to fully light up the flag on the flagpole. There’s many options available, but one of the most popular is solar lights. Solar lights are a great choice because you don’t have to worry about electricity or wires, but there are a few things to be aware of. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t anything blocking the solar panel from getting plenty of sunlight since that’s how the battery charges. When installing it, you should also consider the angle so it gives off the best lighting possible. Ambient lighting can also affect the appearance of your solar light. Living in a well-lit area may cause your solar light to appear dim, therefore requiring a more powerful light for a stronger effect.  

Read the Instructions 

No matter which type of lighting you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully before use. Most solar lights need to be charged for a certain amount of time before you use them, so you’ll want to take that into account. For wired lighting or adding lights to a commercial flagpole, you may need a professional to install it for safety. 

Ensure Proper Flag Display with AmericanFlags.com