Flag Definitions

There are several flags here that have the same or similar uses. If you are using these flags for official purposes, check with the appropriate sanctioning body to make sure you are purchasing the correct flags. If you don't see the flag you need listed here, call 207-985-4857 and ask for Sandy!

Description: Black and white checkered. Number, size and arrangement of squares will vary depending upon manufacturer, available supply and requirements set by sanctioning bodies. (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Displayed crossed with white flag at half way point of race. Waved as first car crosses finish line at the end of the final lap signifying the winner of the race.

Description: Solid green. (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Waved at the start or restart of a race or qualifying heat. Indicates the beginning of full speed racing.

Description: Solid yellow. (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Adverse conditions exist, racing has stopped but vehicles proceed with caution. passing is not permitted during a caution period.

Description: Solid white. (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Depends on sanctioning body. Final lap, service vehicle on track, slow moving traffic ahead.

Description: Solid red (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Indicates that an emergency has blocked the track and all vehicles must stop at once.

Description: Solid black (used in most forms of motor racing) Uses: Black flag usually means that there has been an infraction of the rules but also can indicate that there is a mechanical defect that needs to be addressed for the safety of other vehicles on the track. The driver must bring the car to the pits on the next lap for consultation or repair.

Description: Solid black with an orange "meatball" Uses: There is a mechanical defect that needs to be addressed for the safety of other vehicles on the track. The driver must bring the car to the pits on the next lap for repair.

Description: Black with white frame. Nickname: Leave the track Uses: Indicates rider misconduct or equipment failure.

Description: Blue with orange diagonal stripe. (More common on dirt tracks) Uses: Motionless, indicates to a driver that there is a faster car following closely behind, but not yet close enough for a pass. Waving indicates that the driver is about to be overtaken and should take care to permit the following vehicle a safe pass. This is not a written rule in most sanctioned forms of racing but is considered a courtesy  to faster racers.

Description: Blue with yellow diagonal stripe. (More common on paved tracks, used in most forms of auto racing) Uses: Motionless, indicates to a driver that there is a faster car following closely behind, but not yet close enough for a pass. Waving indicates that the driver is about to be overtaken and should take care to permit the following vehicle a safe pass. This is not a written rule in most sanctioned forms of racing but is considered a courtesy  to faster racers.

Description: Solid blue, Blue with orange or  yellow diagonal stripe. Uses: Motionless, indicates to a driver that there is a faster car following closely behind, but not yet close enough for a pass. Waving indicates that the driver is about to be overtaken and should take care to permit the following vehicle a safe pass. This is not a written rule in most sanctioned forms of racing but is considered a courtesy  to faster racers.

Description: Yellow with red stripes. The number and placement of red stripes will vary depending upon manufacturer and available supply. Other common variation has three yellow and three red stripes alternating. They mean the same thing. Nickname: Debris, slippery, surface change. Uses: Indicates there is debris or a change in the surface ahead.

Description: Green with two vertical black stripes. Nickname: Oil or "Pickle" Uses: Oil or other vehicle fluid on the track creating a slippery or hazardous surface.

Description: Yellow and red divided diagonally. Nickname: Restart Uses: When the race has been stopped with a yellow flag prior to completion of the first lap. Vehicles that were involved in the incident usually must go to the rear of the lineup, and the other cars move up to fill in the spots vacated by those vehicles. Race must be completely restarted, with all cars returning to their original starting position. Penalized cars may be repositioned within or at the end of the field.

Description: White with red cross. Nickname: Emergency, Red Cross, Ambulance Uses: Indicates that ambulances, safety vehicles or emergency personnel are on the course.

Description: White with red cross. (variation as used in Indy cars) Nickname: Emergency, Red Cross, Ambulance Uses: Indicates that ambulances, safety vehicles or emergency personnel are on the course.

Description: White with red x Nickname: Emergency, Red Cross, Ambulance Uses: Indicates that ambulances, safety vehicles or emergency personnel are on the course.

Description: White with red diagonal stripe. Nickname: Emergency, Red Cross, Ambulance Uses: Indicates that ambulances, safety vehicles or emergency personnel are on the course.

Description: Black with white "X." Nickname: Disqualified Uses: This flag is thrown to indicate scoring has stopped for the recipient.

Description: Black with yellow "X." (Variation) Nickname: Disqualified Uses: This flag is thrown to indicate scoring has stopped for the recipient.

Description: Black with white cross (as used in Indy racing) Nickname: Disqualified Uses: This flag is thrown to indicate scoring has stopped for the recipient.

Description: White and black divided diagonally. Nickname: Un-sportsman like Conduct (Bermuda Triangle) Uses: The black and white flag is used to indicate unsportsmanlike conduct. It's usually held motionless next to a pit board with the car number on it.

Description: Red with yellow "X." Uses: This flag is thrown to indicate that pit road / lane is closed. Drivers who pit while this flag is being thrown will be penalized.