Is it illegal to hang national flags on both sides of a car?
3 Answers
It is not illegal. However, the flags must be hung in appropriate positions to show respect for the national flag, so caution is necessary. More detailed information is as follows: 1. Hang small national flags, but they must be placed in appropriate positions: This demonstrates respect for the national flag; otherwise, it may have the opposite effect. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful. If there is no suitable position, it is better not to hang them. Alternatively, you can choose to place a national flag sticker on the upper part of the front windshield where it does not obstruct the view. 2. The national flag is a symbolic banner of a country and represents the nation: People often hang national flags to express their love for their own country or respect for other countries. It is prohibited to hoist damaged, soiled, faded, or non-standard national flags. The national flag and its design must not be used as trademarks or in advertisements, nor should they be used in private funeral activities. It is forbidden to intentionally insult the national flag of the People's Republic of China by burning, damaging, scribbling, defiling, trampling, or other means. The national flag must not be hung upside down. Due to the design and text on some national flags, they should not be hung vertically or reversed. Some countries explicitly stipulate that a specially made flag with the design properly oriented must be used for vertical hanging.
I was also curious about this before and specifically looked up traffic regulations. Actually, displaying the national flag itself is not illegal, but the method matters. I've seen people tie the flag to car doors, which might flap and block rearview mirrors, violating safe driving rules. The size shouldn't be too large either, or it could obscure the license plate and get you pulled over by traffic police. Last National Day on Chang'an Avenue, I saw a car with two small red flags neatly stuck to the corners of the windows—that was fine. The key is to ensure the flag remains clean and intact, placed in a position that doesn't obstruct the driver's view. If it's hung crooked or dirty, it would actually show disrespect to the flag.
As a seasoned driver, I must remind you: displaying the national flag requires consideration of the occasion and placement. While decorative hanging is permitted by regulations, it becomes illegal if it poses a safety hazard. For example, hanging oversized flags on both side windows can block the side mirrors in strong winds, or flag poles extending outside the vehicle can affect passing distances. I've encountered cases during annual inspections where flags mounted on the roof were required to be removed. It's advisable to opt for small magnetic flags and place them on the inside of the rear window for safety. During holidays, traffic police usually turn a blind eye to reasonable displays, but it's best to keep them stored normally. Remember, never obscure the license plate—any obstruction of the plate will result in immediate penalty points.
