Federal law contains the Flag Code; the Flag Code stipulates the aspects of flag etiquette.

The flag should be lighted at all times, by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. The flag should be flown only in fair weather; it can only be flown in inclement weather if it has been designed for use in inclement weather. The flag should never be dipped to any individual or thing, and it is only ever flown upside down as a distress signal.

Although the flag cannot be used for any decoration in general, bunting of blue, white, and red stripes is available for decoration purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. The flag cannot be used for advertising purposes, and it should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushion, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything that is discarded after temporary use.

Not only can the flag not be used for advertising, it is not permissible for advertising signs to be attached to the staff or halyard. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag pattern may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it. It should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. For storage, the flag should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn and no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.