A Practical Guide for Motorcycles, Vehicles, and Fire Apparatus
Every year, as motorcycle season ramps up and public events increase, more people display the American flag on vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The intent is almost always honorable.
The execution, however, is often incorrect.
This brief series from the Institute for Ceremonial Standards addresses a critical gap: how to apply flag protocol in motion, in harsh environments, and in modern display contexts.
At the center of the issue is a simple but often misunderstood principle:
The American flag is not required to be displayed—it is required to be displayed correctly.
This article summarizes the guidance and links you to the full doctrinal standards.
The Problem: Good Intent, Poor Application
Across the country, we routinely see:
- Flags mounted on motorcycles in reverse orientation
- Cloth flags placed on vehicle areas that quickly become dirty
- Fire apparatus displaying flags on tailboards exposed to exhaust and grime
- Large flags suspended between ladder trucks—often modified to make the display “work”
None of these are malicious.
But many of them are incorrect.
The ICS Standard Series (12-350 to 12-354)
These five documents build a complete framework:
ICS DCS 12-350 – Motorcycle-Mounted Flags
Defines orientation, mounting position, and precedence while in motion.
Key takeaway: The union faces forward, and the flag belongs on the right side (position of honor).
ICS DCS 12-351 – Flags on Vehicles (Cloth & Decals)
Addresses placement, contamination risk, and proper use of decals.
Key takeaway: If the flag will get dirty where you put it, it does not belong there.
ICS DCS 12-352 – High-Exposure Environments
Explains why fire, industrial, and operational environments require stricter—not looser—standards.
Key takeaway: The harsher the environment, the higher the standard of care.
ICS DCS 12-353 – Fire Service Ladder Displays
Corrects the widespread practice of suspending and modifying flags between aerial ladders.
Key takeaway: The flag must never be altered to fit a display.
ICS DCS 12-354 – Removal vs. Display
Establishes the most important principle in the series.
Key takeaway: If you cannot display the flag correctly, do not display it.
Visual Decision Chart: Should You Display the Flag Here?
Use this as a quick field reference:
FLAG DISPLAY DECISION MODEL
⬇️ START
Can the flag be kept CLEAN?
→ NO → DO NOT DISPLAY
→ YES ↓
Can it be properly ORIENTED?
→ NO → DO NOT DISPLAY
→ YES ↓
Is it in a PROMINENT position?
→ NO → DO NOT DISPLAY
→ YES ↓
Will it remain FREE from damage or distortion?
Read Honor By Dishonor Pt 1 and Honor By Dishonor Pt 2
→ NO → DO NOT DISPLAY
→ YES ↓
✅ DISPLAY IS APPROPRIATE
What This Means in Practice
Let’s make this real:
- Motorcycle flag whipping apart in the wind?
→ Replace it or remove it. - Fire truck tailboard flag covered in road grime?
→ Incorrect placement. Remove or relocate. - Flag decal backwards on a vehicle?
→ Incorrect orientation. Fix it. - Flag modified to hang between ladders?
→ Improper by design. Do not use.
The Hard Truth
One of the most persistent cultural misunderstandings is this:
“Something is better than nothing.”
No, it isn’t.
Improper display is not a lesser form of respect—it is a failure of it.
Final Thought
The absence of the flag is not disrespect.
Improper display is.