Racing Flags

This is a description of the flags used at racing events. Some types of racing do not use all of these flags, and other types have additional flags specific to that type of racing. However, these are the most common.

This is, of course, the checkered flag, the flag which has single-handedly come to stand for racing. It is used to signal the end of an event, whether that event is a hot lap session, a practice session, or a race. It is waved when the leader of a race crosses the finish line to signal that the leader has won the race.

The green flag means that the race has started, and laps are being counted. It is used to signal the start of an event, including a hot lap session, a practice session, or a race. Furled and twirled above the starter's head, it means a practice or hot lap session can begin at full racing speed.

The yellow flag means caution. It is used to tell the racers to run slowly if there is a crash during a race. If it is waved during a race, it usually means there has been an accident or crash somewhere on the track.

The red flag means danger - all racers must come to a complete stop. It is usually used when a more serious accident occurs, or when the track becomes completely blocked. When the red flag is waved, all racers must return to the starting gate. While the red flag is displayed, the lap count is halted until the race is restarted.

The white flag means there is one more lap remaining in a race. It is waved when the leader of the race crosses the finishline at the beginning of the final lap, and it is displayed to all remaining racers until the leader again crosses the finish line.

The black flag is displayed to a specific racer to indicate that it must leave the track. This usually occurs either because the racer has broken a rule, or the vehicle is judged to be unfit to continue the race in its present condition. If the racer has broken a rule, usually a penalty is assessed and the racer can continue the race. If the vehicle is unfit to continue the race, it must make any required repairs before re-entering the track.

The half red and half yellow flag means that the race must be completely restarted, with all racers returning to their original starting position unless they have been penalized. This flag is typically used if the race has been stopped with a yellow flag before the first lap has been completed.

The blue flag with the diagonal stripe is used to signal a racer that his vehicle is about to be passed (lapped) by another racer. The racer at which this flag is waved is supposed to move out of the way and let the faster racer go by. For this reason, it has come to be known as the "move over" flag, and it is normally not a flag which a racer likes to be shown.