United States Flag Code - Prohibitions

Prohibitions

The code prohibits certain uses of the flag; these are enumerated under section eight, and include:

• The flag should never be displayed upside down except as a sign of distress.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it.
• The flag should never be worn or used as bedding or drapery.
• The flag must always be allowed to fall free and never displayed furled.
• The flag must not be marked with any insignia, letter, word, signature, picture or drawing.
• The flag may not be used for any advertising purposes; no advertising may be attached to a pole flying a flag.
• The image of the flag may not be printed, embroidered or otherwise impressed on anything designed for temporary use and discard. This includes napkins, paper plates and cups, packaging or stamps ( Exception: USA First-Class stamp, 41-cent 2007).
• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform; flag patches are allowed as part of the uniform of a federal, state, civic or patriotic organization.