The Saeima ¹ has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:

Law on the National Flag of Latvia

Chapter I
General Provisions

Section 1. Purpose of the Law

The purpose of the Law is to prescribe common principles for the use of the national flag of Latvia.

Section 2. Description of the National Flag of Latvia

(1) The national flag of Latvia is carmine with a white horizontal stripe.

(2) The red-white-red stripe ratio of the national flag of Latvia is 2:1:2.

(3) The width to length ratio of the national flag of Latvia is 1:2.

(4) The red-white-red stripe ratio of the national flag of Latvia and also the width to length ratio of the flag shall conform to the sample indicated in Annex 1 to this Law irrespective of the dimensions of the flag.

(5) The national flag of Latvia is a Latvian State symbol.

Section 3. General Provisions for the Use of the National Flag of Latvia and the Prohibition to Use the National Flag of Latvia

(1) The national flag of Latvia shall be used in the cases and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this Law and other laws and regulations, guaranteeing due respect to it.

(2) It is prohibited to use the national flag of Latvia:

1) on buildings which are in a state of critical disrepair;

2) on buildings the façade of which is being repaired;

3) in other inappropriate places and circumstances.

(3) It is prohibited to use a damaged, faded, dirty or otherwise inappropriate national flag of Latvia.

(4) The national flag of Latvia which is unfit for use shall be destroyed in a dignified manner.

Chapter II
Order of Precedence by Which the National Flag of Latvia Shall Be Used Together with Other Flags

Section 4. Order of Precedence by Which the National Flag of Latvia Shall Be Used Together with Other Flags

(1) If other flags are used together with the national flag of Latvia, they shall be arranged in the following order:

1) the national flag of Latvia;

2) the national flag of another country;

3) the flag of an international public organisation;

4) the Standard of the President of Latvia;

5) the Standard of the Speaker of the Saeima;

6) the Standard of the Prime Minister;

7) a Ministerial Standard;

8) the Standard of the Minister for Defence;

9) the flag of another public authority;

10) the flag of the Commander of the National Armed Forces;

11) the flag of a component of the National Armed Forces;

12) the flag of an administrative territory and the territorial unit thereof;

13) the flag of an international non-governmental organisation;

14) other flags.

(2) If several flags of other countries or international public organisations are used together with the national flag of Latvia, they shall be arranged in the following manner:

1) at an event on a Latvian scale, the flags of one type, for example, national flags, shall be arranged in alphabetical order by names of countries in Latvian;

2) at an event in Latvia organised on an international scale, the flags of one type, for example, national flags, shall be arranged in alphabetical order by names of countries in English or in the official working language of the event.

(3) If an event of an international public organisation is organised in Latvia, the national flag of Latvia shall be used in accordance with Latvia's place in the approved order of precedence of such organisation.

(4) Consultations on the procedures for use of the national flag of Latvia in accordance with the international protocol norms shall be provided by the State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chapter III
Use of the National Flag of Latvia and Other Flags Outdoors

[26 April 2018]

Section 5. Permanent Placement of the National Flag of Latvia Outdoors

(1) The national flag of Latvia shall be permanently placed:

1) on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle and on the residence of the President of Latvia in the Rīga Castle;

2) on the summer residence of the President of Latvia in Jūrmala;

3) above the main building of the Saeima and on the main building of the Saeima;

4) on the building of the Cabinet;

5) on ministry buildings;

6) on courthouses;

7) on the buildings of the Office of the Prosecutor General and Ombudsman;

8) on the building of Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces;

9) on the head office building of Latvijas Banka and on the buildings of branches of Latvijas Banka;

10) on buildings of local government councils;

11) at border crossing points;

11¹) at places where the major State motor roads cross the internal border;

12) on buildings of diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia if it is technically possible and is not contradictory to the legal acts of the host country and diplomatic protocol traditions;

13) on buildings of educational institutions.

(2) The national flag of Latvia may also be permanently placed on other buildings, guaranteeing due respect to it.

(3) If the buildings referred to in Paragraph one of this Section are undergoing major repairs or the façade of these buildings is being repaired, the decision on the relocation of the national flag of Latvia shall be taken by the head of the relevant institution referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, except for the case referred to in Paragraph four of this Section.

(4) The Head of the Chancery of the President of Latvia shall be responsible for the permanent placement of the national flag of Latvia on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle and on the residence of the President of Latvia. The national flag shall be permanently placed on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle and on the residence of the President of Latvia also during major repairs of the building or during repairs to the façade, insofar as the use of the flag in such circumstances is compatible with the respect for the national flag.

(5) The permanent placement of the national flag on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle may be discontinued only due to urgent temporary circumstances.

(6) The terms "border crossing point" and "internal border" used in this Law correspond to the terms used in the law On the State Border of the Republic of Latvia.

[8 November 2012; 26 April 2018; 8 April 2021]

Section 6. Principles for Using the National Flag of Latvia and Other Flags on Buildings

(1) If another flag is used together with the national flag of Latvia on the façade of a building, the national flag of Latvia shall be positioned on the left side, but the other flag - on the right side, when looking at the façade of the building (Paragraph 1 of Annex 2 to this Law).

(2) If several other flags are used together with the national flag of Latvia on the façade of a building, the national flag of Latvia shall be placed on the left side, but the other flags - in the order of precedence prescribed by this Law to the right of the national flag of Latvia, when looking at the façade of the building (Paragraph 2 of Annex 2 to this Law).

(3) If other flags are used together with the national flag of Latvia on flagpoles, they shall be arranged in the following order:

1) the national flag of Latvia shall be placed at the head of the row, but the other flags - in the order of precedence prescribed by this Law on the right of the national flag of Latvia, when looking at the row of flagpoles (Paragraph 2 of Annex 2 to this Law);

2) the national flag of Latvia shall be placed at the head of the row and at the end, but the other flags - in the order of precedence prescribed by this Law from left to right, when looking at the row of flagpoles (Paragraph 3 of Annex 2 to this Law).

(4) If the flags referred to in Section 4, Paragraph one, Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 of this Law are used together with the national flag of Latvia, their width must conform with the width of the national flag of Latvia.

Section 7. Use of the National Flag of Latvia on Public Holidays and Days of Commemoration and Celebration

(1) The national flag of Latvia shall be placed on public buildings, buildings of legal persons governed by private law and associations of persons, and also on residential buildings on 1 May, 4 May, 21 August, 11 November and 18 November.

(2) The national flag of Latvia in mourning presentation shall be placed on public buildings, buildings of legal persons governed by private law and associations of persons, and also on residential buildings on 25 March, 14 June, 17 June, 4 July and on the first Sunday of December.

(3) The national flag of Latvia shall also be used on other occasions stipulated by the Cabinet or local governments.

(4) The national flag of Latvia may also be used at folk, religious and family celebrations, commemoration days and other occasions, guaranteeing due respect to it.

[8 November 2012]

Section 8. Use of the National Flag of Latvia on the State Restoration Day of Lithuania and the Estonian Day of Independence

(1) On the State Restoration Day of Lithuania - 16 February - the national flag of Lithuania shall be placed next to the national flag of Latvia on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle, on the main building of the Saeima and on the building of the Cabinet.

(2) On the Estonian Day of Independence - 24 February - the national flag of Estonia shall be placed next to the national flag of Latvia on the Holy Spirit Tower of the Rīga Castle, on the main building of the Saeima and on the building of the Cabinet.

[8 November 2012]

Section 9. Use of the National Flag of Latvia on an Election Day and a Referendum Day

The national flag of Latvia shall be placed on buildings where polling stations have been arranged:

1) on the Saeima election day;

2) on the local government council election day;

3) on the European Parliament election day;

4) on the referendum day.

[8 April 2021]

Chapter IV
Use of the National Flag of Latvia Indoors

Section 10. Use of the National Flag of Latvia Indoors

(1) If the national flag of Latvia is used together with other flags at a marked place within a room (at a console, microphone, table) during international negotiations, during the signing of interstate, intergovernmental, interdepartmental agreements or during a press conference, it shall be placed:

1) behind the right shoulder of the public official of Latvia, but the other flags - in the left shoulder direction according to the order of precedence;

2) behind the public official of Latvia, but the flag of another state or international public organisation - behind the relevant official (Paragraph 5 of Annex 2 to this Law). The guest during the time of the meeting at the marked place shall be on the right hand side of the public official of Latvia.

(2) If the national flag of Latvia is used with other flags in an unmarked place within a room, it shall be placed:

1) at the left side of the flag row, but the other flags - in the order of precedence prescribed by this Law on the right of it, when looking at the flag row (Paragraph 2 of Annex 2 to this Law);

2) at the head and end of the flag row, but in the middle - the other flags in the order of precedence prescribed by this Law from the left to the right (Paragraph 3 of Annex 2 to this Law);

3) in the middle, but the other flags - in alphabetical order according to the name of the state on both sides of the national flag of Latvia (Paragraph 4 of Annex 2 to this Law) in accordance with the requirements of Section 4, Paragraph two of this Law.

(3) The principles for the use of the national flag of Latvia as prescribed in Paragraphs one and two of this Section may also be used by private individuals during business negotiations, conclusion of contracts, during press conferences and other events.

Section 11. Permanent Use of the National Flag of Latvia in the Working Premises of Public Officials

(1) The national flag of Latvia shall be permanently placed:

1) in the office of the President of Latvia;

2) in the office of the Speaker of the Saeima and the Saeima Chamber;

3) in the Cabinet meeting room;

4) in the offices of the Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet;

5) in the offices of the President of the Constitutional Court and of the judges of the Constitutional Court, and also in the Constitutional Court's courtroom;

6) in the offices of the Court Presidents and the Chairpersons of courthouses;

7) in the office of the Prosecutor General and Ombudsman;

8) in the offices of the heads of diplomatic and consular missions.

(2) The national flag of Latvia shall be placed in the offices of the public officials of Latvia specified in Paragraph one of this Section in accordance with the principles referred to in Section 10 of this Law.

Section 12. Placement of the National Flag of Latvia on a Table

(1) During international negotiations, during the signing of interstate, intergovernmental, interdepartmental agreements or during a press conference the Latvia's representative may use a proportionally reduced national flag of Latvia on the table, placing it in the following way:

1) during international negotiations - in front of the head of the delegation to the right;

2) during the signing of interstate, intergovernmental, interdepartmental agreements - in front of the person to the right who is signing the document;

3) during a press conference - in front of the person to the right who is presenting information at the press conference.

(2) During international events, for example, conferences, meetings, at working group meetings the national flag of Latvia may be placed in front of the Latvia's representative to the right regardless of the position of the person.

Chapter V
Use and Mounting of the National Flag of Latvia on the Staff Car of a Public Official

Section 13. Use of the National Flag of Latvia on the Staff Car of a Public Official

The national flag of Latvia shall be used on the staff car: 1) of the President of Latvia, Chairperson of the Saeima, Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, when performing official duties in foreign states, if it is not contradictory to the regulatory enactments of the host country and diplomatic protocol traditions;

2) of the heads of diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia, when performing official duties in foreign states, if it is not contradictory to the regulatory enactments of the host country and diplomatic protocol traditions;

3) during visits of officials of a foreign state in Latvia in accordance with the requirements of Section 14, Paragraph two of this Law.

Section 14. Mounting of the National Flag of Latvia on the Staff Car of a Public Official

(1) A proportionally reduced national flag of Latvia shall be mounted on the front right wing of the staff car of a public official.

(2) If together with the public official of Latvia referred to in Section 13, Clause 1 of this Law there is an official of a corresponding rank from another state or international public organisation, a proportionally reduced national flag of Latvia shall be mounted on the front left wing of the car, but the flag of the other state or international public organisation - on the front right wing of the car corresponding to the place of the official in the car.

Chapter VI
Use of the National Flag of Latvia in Cases of Mourning

Section 15. National Flag of Latvia in Mourning Presentation

(1) If the national flag of Latvia is to be raised in mourning presentation, a black ribbon shall be attached to the staff above the flag the width of which shall be 1/20 of the width of the flag and the length shall conform with the width of the flag.

(2) A national flag of Latvia shall be lowered at half-mast without a mourning ribbon.

(3) At locations where the national flag of Latvia is used together with other flags, the mourning presentation shall only be used with the national flag of Latvia.

Section 16. Use of the National Flag of Latvia During a Funeral Ceremony

(1) The national flag of Latvia may be used during a funeral ceremony. In such case it shall be used in mourning presentation, except for the case referred to in Paragraph two of this Section.

(2) During a funeral ceremony the coffin may be draped with the national flag of Latvia. The national flag of Latvia shall be removed from the coffin prior to lowering the coffin into the grave or prior to cremation of the deceased.

Chapter VII
Use of the National Flag of Latvia for Decorative Purposes

Section 17. Use of the National Flag of Latvia for Decorative Purposes

(1) The national flag of Latvia may be used for decorative purposes, guaranteeing due respect to it.

(2) If the national flag of Latvia is used for decorative purposes, the width to length proprotion may differ from the standard prescribed in Section 2 of this Law, however the colour tones and the red-white-red stripe ratio prescribed in laws and regulations shall be retained.

(3) If the national flag of Latvia is used for decorative purposes, it retains the status of a Latvian State symbol.

Section 18. Pennant of the National Flag of Latvia

(1) The pennant of the national flag of Latvia is a trapezoid fabric ribbon in the colours and colour proportions of the national flag of Latvia. The width to length ratio of the pennant of the national flag of Latvia shall conform with the proportions indicated in Annex 3 to this Law.

(2) The pennant of the national flag of Latvia shall have the same protection under the law as the national flag of Latvia.

(3) The pennant of the national flag of Latvia shall not be used on a flagstaff on the façade of a building.

(4) The pennant of the national flag of Latvia may be used, guaranteeing due respect to it.

(5) The pennant of the national flag of Latvia does not replace the national flag of Latvia.

Section 19. Use of the Depiction of the National Flag of Latvia

(1) A depiction of the national flag of Latvia may be used, guaranteeing due respect to it.

(2) It is prohibited to use a depiction of the national flag of Latvia as a trademark or service mark.

(3) Paragraph two of this Section shall not apply to the use of the colours and colour proportions of the national flag of Latvia as elements of trademarks and service marks.

Chapter VIII
Final Provisions

[6 September 2018]

Section 20. Liability for Violation of the Regulations for Use of the National Flag of Latvia

[17 June 2020]

Section 21. Opinion on the Compliance of the National Flag of Latvia, the National Flag of Latvia Used for Decorative Purposes, or the Depiction of the National Flag of Latvia with the Requirements of Laws and Regulations

(1) According to their competence, the State institutions have the right to request an opinion from the State Heraldry Commission on the compliance of the national flag of Latvia, the national flag of Latvia used for decorative purposes, or the depiction of the national flag of Latvia with the requirements of laws and regulations.

(2) The State Heraldry Commission shall provide the opinion on the compliance of the national flag of Latvia, the national flag of Latvia used for decorative purposes, or the depiction of the national flag of Latvia with the requirements of laws and regulations if such is requested in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph one of this Section.

(3) The State Heraldry Commission shall not provide the opinion on the compliance of the national flag of Latvia intended for the market with the requirements laid down by this Law and the Cabinet.

[6 September 2018]

Section 21.¹ Manufacture of the National Flag of Latvia and Supervision of Its Distribution

(1) The national flag of Latvia shall be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of this Law and Cabinet regulations issued pursuant to this Law.

(2) It is prohibited to distribute on the market the national flag of Latvia which does not comply with the requirements of this Law and Cabinet regulations issued pursuant to this Law.

(3) The compliance of the national flag of Latvia intended for distribution on the market and manufactured from a fabric with the requirements of this Law and Cabinet regulations issued pursuant to this Law shall be supervised by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre.

(4) The Consumer Rights Protection Centre is entitled to prohibit the distribution of such national flag of Latvia manufactured from a fabric which does not comply with the requirements of this Law and Cabinet regulations issued pursuant to this Law and to require its withdrawal from the market by taking a relevant decision thereon. The decision shall be valid from the moment of taking thereof, and such decision may be appealed to the court in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law. The appeal of the decision shall not suspend the operation thereof.

(5) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which the Consumer Rights Protection Centre shall evaluate the compliance of the national flag of Latvia with the requirements of this Law and Cabinet regulations issued pursuant to this Law, including shall take the samples necessary for the evaluation, organisation of expert-examinations, and also the procedures by which the expenses related to the performance of an expert-examination shall be covered.

(6) The provisions of Paragraphs two, three, four, and five of this Section shall also be applicable to the supervision of distribution on the market of the pennant of the national flag of Latvia.

[6 September 2018]

Section 22. Procedures for the Application of the Law on the National Flag of Latvia

(1) The Cabinet shall determine the following:

1) the colour tone codes of the fabric of the national flag of Latvia, the fabric thickness, surface density, friction fastness and other technical parameters for the manufacturing of the national flag of Latvia;

1¹) the requirements for the manufacturing of the pennant of the national flag of Latvia, and also the tones of the depictions of the national flag of Latvia depending on the material and technique;

1²) the colour tone code and other technical parameters of the fabric of the mourning ribbon required for the mourning presentation of the national flag of Latvia;

2) the time for raising and the arrangement, the height and the procedures for using the national flag of Latvia and the pennant of the national flag of Latvia, and also the procedures for the manufacturing and presentation of the flagstaff and flagpole;

3) procedures for the use of the national flag of Latvia on ships;

4) the cases when the national flag of Latvia shall be used together with the flag of another state or international public organisation, and also the procedures for the use thereof;

5) the procedures for the permanent placing and maintaining of the national flag of Latvia at border crossing points and places where the major State motor roads cross the internal border, the territory necessary for the permanent placing and maintenance of the national flag of Latvia and the procedures for the maintenance thereof, and also the persons responsible for these actions.

(2) The procedures for the use of the national flag of Latvia by the National Armed Forces and also in military parades and ceremonies shall be determined by the Minister for Defence.

(3) Upon drafting the provisions referred to in Paragraph one, Clauses 1, 1.¹, and 1.² of this Section, the Cabinet shall take into account the opinion of the State Heraldry Commission.

[26 April 2018; 6 September 2018]

Section 23. Administrative Offences in the Field of the Use of the National Flag of Latvia

(1) For the failure to place the national flag of Latvia on the days or in cases specified by the Saeima, the Cabinet or the local government, a fine of up to twenty units of fine shall be imposed on the head of the public person institution and the member of the executive board of the capital company controlled by the public person.

(2) For the violation of the procedures for the use of the national flag of Latvia laid down in laws and regulations, a warning shall be imposed on a natural person and legal person.

(3) For the distribution on the market of such national flag of Latvia or pennant of the national flag of Latvia which does not comply with the requirements laid down in laws and regulations, a fine of up to twenty-five units of fine shall be imposed on the natural person but a fine of up to fifty units of fine - on the legal person.

(4) For gross disrespect for the national flag of Latvia, a fine of up to one hundred and forty units of fine shall be imposed.

(5) Activities directed towards the national flag of Latvia used for decorative purposes or the depiction of the national flag of Latvia shall also be considered gross disrespect for the national flag of Latvia.

(6) Derogations from the provisions of laws and regulations regarding the width, length, colour tones or red-white-red stripe ratio of the national flag of Latvia shall also be considered violation of the procedures for the use of the national flag of Latvia.

[17 June 2020; 8 April 2021]

Section 24. Competence in Administrative Offence Proceedings

(1) Administrative offence proceedings for the offences referred to in Section 23, Paragraphs one, two and four of this Law shall be conducted by the State Police.

(2) Administrative offence proceedings for the offences referred to in Section 23, Paragraphs one and two of this Law until examination of the administrative offence case shall be conducted also by the municipal police, whereas the administrative offence case shall be examined by the local government administrative commission or sub-commission.

(3) Administrative offence proceedings for the offence referred to in Section 23, Paragraph four of this Law shall be conducted also by the municipal police.

(4) Administrative offence proceedings for the offence referred to in Section 23, Paragraph three of this Law shall be conducted by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre.

(5) Administrative offence proceedings for the offence referred to in Section 23, Paragraph four of this Law which has been committed on a ship shall be conducted by the Coast Guard Service of the Naval Forces of the National Armed Forces.

[17 June 2010]

Section 25. Criminal Liability in the Field of the Use of the National Flag of Latvia

(1) A person who commits desecration of the national flag of Latvia shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the procedures laid down in the law.

(2) Activities directed towards the national flag of Latvia used for decorative purposes or the depiction of the national flag of Latvia shall also be considered desecration of the national flag of Latvia.

[17 June 2010]

Transitional Provisions

1. With the coming into force of this Law, the law On the National Flag of Latvia (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 1995, No. 2; 2000, No. 12; 2001, No. 5; 2004, No. 12; 2009, No. 3) is repealed.

2. The Cabinet shall, by 1 May 2010, issue the regulations referred to in Section 22, Paragraph one, Clauses 1, 2, and 4 of this Law.

3. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 22, Paragraph one, Clause 2 of this Law, but not longer than until 1 May 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 412 of 25 September 2001, Application of the Provisions of the Law On the National Flag of Latvia, shall be applicable, insofar as it is not in contradiction to this Law.

4. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 22, Paragraph one, Clause 3 of this Law, but not longer than until 1 January 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 252 of 9 July 1996, Regulations Regarding the Procedures for the Use of the National Flag of Latvia on Ships, shall be applicable, insofar as it is not in contradiction to this Law.

5. The Cabinet shall issue the regulations provided for in Section 22, Paragraph one, Clause 5 of this Law not later than until 31 March 2018.

[26 April 2018]

6. The Cabinet shall issue the regulations provided for in Section 21.¹, Paragraph five and Section 22, Paragraph one of this Law (regarding the requirements for the manufacturing of the national flag of Latvia, the pennant of the national flag of Latvia, the depiction of the national flag of Latvia, and the flag mourning ribbon) not later than until 30 September 2018.

[6 September 2018]

The Law shall come into force on the day following its proclamation.

The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 29 October 2009.

President V. Zatlers

Rīga, 17 November 2009

Law on the National Flag of Latvia

Annex 1

Width to Length Ratio of the National Flag of Latvia

The red-white-red stripe ratio of the national flag of Latvia

Law on the National Flag of Latvia

Annex 2

Flag Placement

1. Flag placement on a building when looking at the façade of the building.

2. Flag placement on a building when looking at the façade of the building. Flag placement on a row of flagpoles. Flag placement within premises when looking at a flag row.

3. Flag placement on flagpoles when looking at the row of flagpoles. Flag placement within premises when looking at a flag row.

4. Flag placement within premises when looking at a flag row.

5. Flag placement at a marked place within a room (at a console, microphone, table).

Law on the National Flag of Latvia

Annex 3

Width to Length Ratio of the Pennant of the National Flag of Latvia

Width to length ratio of the pennant of the national flag of Latvia

¹ The Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Translation © 2021 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)