Flag rules in Norway

Flag rules in Norway work on three levels. The Flag Act of 1898 decides what the flag looks like. The flag regulation of 1927 sets the flag days and flag times for state bodies. The Act on flag flying on municipal public buildings of 1933 governs which flags municipalities can use. For private individuals there are no statutory rules, but there is a firm custom that most people know from 17 May.

Who the rules apply to

According to Lovdata, the Flag Act and the flag regulation contain no rules for private individuals. The law is nevertheless a natural starting point for anyone interested in custom. In housing cooperatives and owners’ associations, statutes and house rules can matter for flagpoles on façades and common areas.

Flag times

Section 6 of the flag regulation sets when the flag is raised and lowered on state buildings:

During the polar night in the north, the sun does not rise at all in some places, which is why the regulation has fixed times there. The regulation on the Sámi flag has similar times, but with raising at 10 a.m. and lowering at 3 p.m. from Nordland county northwards. It is common for private individuals to follow the same times. Flags left up after sunset, and the question of lighting, are covered in the guide to flag lighting.

Where the flag is flown

Under section 5 of the flag regulation, the flag is flown on a pole on the roof, from the side of the building or on a free-standing pole, and on vessels from the ensign staff aft or under the gaff. On state buildings, the state flag with swallow tail and tongue is used. Under section 3 of the regulation, this applies to buildings owned by the state, or rented by the state and mainly used by state institutions. The state flag is not used at exhibitions, agricultural shows, festivities and the like that are not organised by the state. Private individuals and municipalities use the rectangular flag, which the Flag Act calls the “koffardiflag” (merchant flag). The different variants are covered in the guide to flag types.

The pennant

The pennant (vimpel) in Norwegian colours is not regulated in the Flag Act. According to Store norske leksikon, it is used more informally than the flag and can stay hoisted day and night. Many leave the pennant on the pole on days when the flag is not up, and change to the flag on flag days and special occasions.

Custom

Store norske leksikon describes a number of norms that are commonly followed, even though they are not laid down in law for private individuals:

• The flag is treated with respect as a symbol of the nation.
• It is kept clean, does not drag on the ground and is not used as a covering.
• It is hoisted taut to the top and hangs freely.
• After use, it is dried before being folded or rolled up so that only the red colour is visible.
• When worn out, it is unpicked along the seams so that the colours are separated, and burnt.

In mourning, the flag is flown at half-mast. How that is done is described in the guide to half-mast. The official flag days are listed in the guide to flag days.