Flag lighting: flying the flag at night in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands the flag flies from sunrise to sunset. Anyone who wants to leave the flag out longer, for example at a business or during an evening celebration, can light it. This guide describes what the official sources say and what is taken into account with lighting.

What the Handleiding says

According to the Handleiding voor het gebruik van de Nederlandse vlag, Dutch and foreign flags ought not to be raised or left flying between sunset and sunrise. Every raised flag is therefore lowered at sunset and, where needed, raised again the next day after sunrise. The Handleiding makes one exception: when the flag is lit so that its colours are clearly visible.

The Dutch government and the Royal House describe the same thing as custom: it is usual not to leave the flag out between sunset and sunrise, and if the flag stays out at night it is good practice to light it, so that its colours are clearly visible. The National 4 and 5 May Committee says the same for 5 May.

Not an obligation

The Netherlands has no flag law. According to the Dutch government, no law prohibits flag flying or prescribes how it is done. An unlit flag that stays out at night is therefore not an offence, but it departs from custom. Government buildings follow the flag instruction, which expressly names sunset as the end time on 4 May.

When lighting is used

• Businesses and institutions that leave the flag out day and night often light it with a fixed spotlight.
• Celebrations that continue after sunset, such as King’s Day or a wedding.
• Winter, when the sun sets early and the flag would otherwise be lowered in the late afternoon.
• Memorial sites where a flag flies for a longer period.

How a flag is lit

Common options are a spotlight at the foot of the pole, angled up at the flag, or a lamp at the top of the pole shining down. A spotlight on the ground spans the full height of the pole and lights the flag in every position, even as it changes direction in the wind. A lamp at the top lights the flag from close by. The Handleiding sets only one requirement: the colours are clearly visible.

Connection and cable

A lamp on or near the pole needs an electrical connection, usually via a cable in the ground. Anyone digging for that cable with a machine makes a KLIC notification beforehand, according to the Land Registry (Kadaster); digging by hand is not subject to notification, but the Kadaster points out that cables and pipes can be damaged then too. The cable is often laid at the same time as the foundation. More is in the guide to flagpole installation.

Taking the surroundings into account

A bright spotlight can disturb neighbours or traffic. The Handleiding already notes, for flag flying, that the flag ought never to obstruct traffic. Municipalities may have rules on light and advertising in the environment plan; the municipality can say what applies at a given location. More about flags at businesses is in the guide to flagpoles for businesses, and about the times in the guide to flag rules.