Overview

• Motorists may fly national flags on vehicles provided they do not obstruct the driver’s view, with penalties of up to £1,000 or three penalty points for violations.
• Flags on poles projecting from buildings other than roofs must not exceed 2 m² and require planning consent in designated areas or face fines up to £2,500.
• Vertical roof-mounted flagpoles carry no maximum size restriction outside protected zones such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• The regulations sort flags into three consent categories—no consent, deemed consent and express consent—with distinct conditions for each tier.
• All flag displays must be well maintained, safely sited with owner permission, not obscure official signage and removable on planning authority request.