Flag Signals

A list of flags typically used on track/race days:

National Flag

This flag is normally used to start the race. The starting signal should be given by lowering the flag which, for standing start events, should not be raised above the head until all cars are stationary and in no case for more than 10 seconds. Should the national flag not be used for any reason, the colour of the flag (which should not cause confusion with any other flag described), should be specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

Red Flag

This flag should be waved at the start line when it has been decided to stop a practice session or the race. Simultaneously, each observer’s post around the circuit should also wave a red flag. All drivers are required to slow down immediately and proceed to the pit lane (or the place foreseen by the regulations of the Event), and must be prepared to stop if necessary. Overtaking is not permitted.

Chequered Flag

This flag should be waved and signifies the end of a practice session or the race.

Black Flag

This flag should be used to inform the driver concerned that he must stop at his pit or at the place designated in the supplementary or championship regulations on the next approach to the pit entry. If a driver fails to comply for any reason, this flag should not be shown for more than four consecutive laps. The decision to show this flag rests solely with the Stewards of the Meeting, the team concerned will immediately be informed of the decision.

Black flag with an orange disc 40cm in diameter

This flag should be used to inform the driver concerned that his car has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself or others and means that the he must stop at his pit on the next lap. When the mechanical problems have been rectified to the satisfaction of the chief scrutineer the car may rejoin the race.

Black and white flag divided diagonally

This flag should be shown once only and is a warning to the driver concerned that he has been reported for unsportsmanlike behavior.

These last three flags are normally shown on the start line and should be shown motionless and accompanied by a black board with a white number which should be shown to the driver of whose car the number is displayed.

Yellow Flag

This is a signal of danger and should be shown to drivers in two ways with the following meanings:

• Single waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction. There is a hazard beside or partly on the track.
• Double waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction or stop. There is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track.

Yellow flags should normally be shown only at the marshals’ post immediately preceding the hazard. In some cases however the Clerk of the Course may order them to be shown at more than one marshals’ post preceding an incident. Overtaking is not permitted between the first yellow flag and the green flag displayed after the incident. Yellow flags should not be shown in the pit lane unless there is an incident of which the driver should be made aware.

Yellow flag with red stripes

This should be shown motionless to inform drivers that there is a deterioration of adhesion due to oil or water on the track in the area beyond the flag. This flag should be displayed, for at least (depending on the circumstances) 4 laps unless the surface returns to normal beforehand. It is not however necessary for the sector beyond where this flag is being shown to show a green flag.

Blue Flag

This should normally be waved, as an indication to a driver that he is about to be overtaken. It has different meanings during practice and the race.

• At all times:

- A stationary flag should be displayed to a driver leaving the pits if traffic is approaching on the track.

• During practice:

- Give way to a faster car which is about to overtake you.

• During the race:

- The flag should normally be shown to a car about to be lapped and, when shown, the driver concerned must allow the following car to pass at the earliest opportunity.

White Flag

This flag should be waved and is used to indicate to the driver that there is a much slower vehicle on the sector of track controlled by that flag point. E.G. a marshalls vehicle

Green Flag

This should be used to indicate that the track is clear and should be waved at the observation post immediately after the incident that necessitated the use of one or more yellow flags. - It may also be used, if deemed necessary by the Clerk of the Course, to signal the start of a warm-up lap or the start of a practice session.

Note: These flags typical for FIA events (appendix H) however some series have different meaning eg the white flag can be 'last lap' in NASCAR.