19-07-2025
Brits warned they could be fined £2,500 for flying flags including Union Jack
The government has eased restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England and Wales - but falling foul of the rules could result in a fine
The Union Jack has been in the limelight this week following an incident in which a 12-year-old girl was put in isolation for wearing the flag to school.
However, as the government promotes increased flag displays across the country, households should be mindful of certain rules that, if breached, could lead to a hefty £2,500 fine.
The Government has relaxed restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England, Wales, Ireland and indeed any other country.
Even county flags, such as Yorkshire's, are being encouraged to fly more frequently as part of the Government's initiative.
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It's worth noting that the Union Jack is often referred to as 'the Union Flag' - both terms are acceptable despite the Jack's maritime origins, but they must still be displayed in line with the law to avoid fines.
The guidelines for rooftop flag displays are fairly flexible. The government allows certain flags to be flown from rooftops of any size, provided they meet specific criteria. It stipulates all flags must be kept in a safe condition, reports Yorkshire Live.
Furthermore, it must have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land).
It must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport. It should be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority.
Where flags can be flown without needing permission
Any national flag, civil ensign or civil air ensign from any country.
The flag of the Commonwealth, the United Nations or any other international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member.
A flag representing any island, county, district, borough, burgh, parish, city, town or village within the United Kingdom.
The flag of the Black Country, East Anglia, Wessex, any part of Lincolnshire, any Riding of Yorkshire or any historic county within the United Kingdom.
The flag of Saint David (Wales).
The flag of Saint Patrick (Ireland).
The flag of any administrative area within any country outside the United Kingdom.
Any flag belonging to His Majesty's forces.
The Armed Forces Day flag.
The government further clarifies: "There are no restrictions on the size of flag."
However, if you plan to fly the flag from a pole extending from any part of a building other than the roof, the rules become more stringent. The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007 stipulate maximum sizes for flags flown on your house if they're on a pole, not on the roof.
The government adds: "The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size. No restrictions on the size of characters. Consent is required if the flagpole is in a controlled area."
Permission is needed if you reside in a designated controlled zone, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Failing to comply with these rules could result in individuals being reported and potentially hit with fines of up to £2,500 for ignoring local council orders to remove an oversized flag.
The law states: "A person displaying an advertisement in contravention of these Regulations shall be liable, on summary conviction of an offence under section 224(3) of the Act, to a fine of an amount not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and, in the case of a continuing offence, one tenth of level 4 on the standard scale [£2,500] for each day during which the offence continues after conviction."
