How to light a flagpole – all you need to know to obey the US Flag Code

Lots of people have the stars and stripes on display outside their homes to show their patriotism. It's a common sight in front yards across the country, whether hanging from a tall garden flagpole or a short one on the porch.

Many people leave their flags out 24/7 as decor. However, they don't light up their flags at night. The Federal Flag Code says that an American flag should be lit up at night, but it doesn't have any guidelines on how to do it.

This is all you need to know about lighting a flag pole - how many lights to use, where to place them, and keep on the right side of HOA rules.

1. Consider the Flag Code

The Federal Flag Code says that flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, you can display the flag 24 hours a day if the flag is well-lit.

According to the code, 'When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.'

Unfortunately, there's no specific guidance about what 'properly illuminated' means. As long as the flag is lit up, you should be fine.

2. Use landscape lights

Thankfully, the method for lighting up a flag pole is easy. All you need are two or three landscape lights.

Imagine a circle around your flag pole about a foot wide. Unlike uplighting a tree , where your lights should be set far back to light a wide tree, flagpoles and flags are narrow, small targets, so they need to be in close.

Gardens expert and head of gardens at H&G Rachel Bull says 'This has the bonus effect of limiting light trespass and light pollution. If your lights are tightly aimed at the flag, they won't shine into your neighbor's property or into the night sky.'

Aim the lights at the flag from opposite directions. If you have three lights, set them equal distances apart in a triangle around the flagpole, with each light a foot away from the pole. With two lights, set them opposite each other, both a foot apart.

Switch the lights on and aim them at the flag, then adjust the angle until it hits the flag just right.

Leacoco Led Landscape Lights

These four landscape lights are the archetype of good spotlights. These inexpensive lights aren't fancy, but they're all you need for good spotlighting.

Nymphy Solar Lights

These solar lights are perfect for uplighting a flagpole without any finicky wiring. They have a rare IP68 water-resistant rating, so they can be completely submerged in water without braking.

Tsanhoo Smart LED Spotlight

If you want a more interesting display, you can try colored landscape lights. IP67-rated, they'll stand up to rain, and you can select any RGB color through an easy app on your phone.

3. Try a specially-made light

Most lighting experts say that in general, you should aim your landscape lights down to the ground. This stops the light from shining into your neighbors' homes and disturbing them. It's also better for local wildlife like bats, as it makes it easier for them to navigate and hunt.

If you're worried that the layout of your yard means your lights will shine into your neighbor's windows, or space is limited, you can try a specialised flagpole light.

These sit at the top of your flagpole and shine down onto the flag, ensuring the light is all on your property and reducing light pollution. Because you only need a single light, you can save a little money, and because flagpole lights tend to be solar, you don't need to do any wiring.

Deneve Silver Solar Flag Pole Light

Deneve's Silver solar flag pole light is brighter than most, shining at 1300 lumens for bright, effective flag lighting.

Service First Sirius Solar Flagpole Light

Black flagpole are best served with a black light like this. It has a 12 hour battery life and IP65 protection from rain.

Rayslit Flag Pole Light

If you want an uplit flag pole but space is tight, try this 5-in-1 solar flagpole light. It shines five adjustable lights directly at the top of your flagpole.

4. Consider HOA rules

Before you light up your flag, double-check your HOA rules. Many HOAs have rules about the size, style, and position of flagpoles. While it's illegal for HOAs to stop you from flying the US flag, they can stop you from flying the flags of other nations, sports teams, or political affiliations.

Crucially, many HOAs have laws about outdoor lighting, so you may not be able to light up your flagpole at all.

Outdoor American Flag

This flag is heavy-duty and weather-resistant. Fit for overnight (as long as it's lit) and long-term use, it has embroidered stars, sewn stripes, and brass grommets for a premium design that won't damage easily. It's also American-made.

FAQs

Is the US Flag Code legally binding?

While the Flag Code is a law, there are no penalties for disobeying it. The Supreme Court ruled the Flag Code unconstitutional in 1990, so you don't need to light up a flagpole - it's entirely up to you.

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With your flagpole lighting ready, it's worth considering the rest of your garden lighting. There are lots of surprising places to use solar lights for easy, automatic ambiance. You can try them in a greenhouse to bring a functional part of your yard into the rest of your garden design.