What do the flags mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

MSA Appendix H (2026) sets the flag signals. Flags mean the same in practice and racing, and ignoring one is an offence. Flag Meaning Green (waved) Track clear; end of a yellow-flag zone; can start a warm-up lap or practice Yellow (still or waved) Danger ahead. Slow down, be ready to stop, no overtaking until past the green flag. Two waved yellows = serious obstruction Yellow with red stripes Slippery surface (oil, water) White Slow vehicle or service vehicle on track Blue A faster competitor is about to overtake you Red (waved) Session or race stopped. Slow down, no overtaking, go to the pits or start area as directed Black + your number Stop at the pits at the end of the lap and report to the Clerk of the Course. You are out of that race and score zero points Black and white diagonal + your number Warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Report to the Clerk of the Course after the race Black with orange disc + your number Your vehicle has a dangerous defect. Stop at the pits at the end of the lap Black and white chequered Finish A race start can be given by the MSA flag or by red lights (lights go out after 4 to 7 seconds).

Flag	Meaning
Green (waved)	Track clear; end of a yellow-flag zone; can start a warm-up lap or practice
Yellow (still or waved)	Danger ahead. Slow down, be ready to stop, no overtaking until past the green flag. Two waved yellows = serious obstruction
Yellow with red stripes	Slippery surface (oil, water)
White	Slow vehicle or service vehicle on track
Blue	A faster competitor is about to overtake you
Red (waved)	Session or race stopped. Slow down, no overtaking, go to the pits or start area as directed
Black + your number	Stop at the pits at the end of the lap and report to the Clerk of the Course. You are out of that race and score zero points
Black and white diagonal + your number	Warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Report to the Clerk of the Course after the race
Black with orange disc + your number	Your vehicle has a dangerous defect. Stop at the pits at the end of the lap