HPDE Flag Guide
Understanding racing flags is essential for safe on-track communication. Every driver must know these before hitting the track.
Know Your Flags
Corner workers communicate with drivers through flags. Knowing what each flag means and how to respond is critical to your safety and the safety of everyone on track.
Green Flag
Meaning: Track is clear and open for full-speed driving. Session is live.
Action: Proceed at speed. Stay aware of your mirrors.
Yellow Flag (Standing)
Meaning: Caution in the area. An incident or hazard exists nearby.
Action: Reduce speed, no passing in the yellow flag zone. Be prepared to take evasion action.
Yellow Flag (Waving)
Meaning: Danger directly ahead. Greater hazard than standing yellow.
Action: Significantly reduce speed immediately. Be prepared to stop. No passing.
Red Flag
Meaning: Session is stopped. Serious incident on track.
Action: Slow down immediately. Come to a safe stop off the racing line. Do NOT proceed to pit lane unless directed by a corner worker.
Black Flag (Furled / All)
Meaning: Displayed to all — session is being called in. Displayed pointed at you — you must come into pit lane at the end of this lap.
Action: Proceed to pit lane at reduced speed. Check in with the steward for instructions.
Black Flag with Orange Circle (Meatball)
Meaning: Mechanical issue with your car. Something is wrong — fluid leak, loose bodywork, etc.
Action: Come into pit lane immediately. Do not continue until the issue is resolved and cleared by tech.
Blue Flag with Yellow Stripe
Meaning: Faster traffic is approaching behind you.
Action: Check your mirrors. Hold your line and give a point-by signal to let the faster car pass safely.
White Flag
Meaning: Slow-moving vehicle ahead (emergency vehicle, tow truck, or significantly slower car).
Action: Exercise extreme caution. Be aware of the slow vehicle and adjust your speed accordingly.
Checkered Flag
Meaning: Session is over.
Action: Complete your cool-down lap at reduced speed. Exit the track at the designated pit lane entrance.
Flag Etiquette
🪞 Check Your Mirrors
Flags only work if you see them. Develop the habit of checking your mirrors and scanning flag stations on every lap — especially on corner entry.
👉 Point-By Signals
When giving a point-by, extend your arm and point to the side you want the faster car to pass on. This should be the direction of the upcoming turn.
🚫 No Passing Under Yellow
This is not a suggestion — it's a rule. Passing under yellow will earn you a black flag and potentially end your day.
🏁 Cool-Down Laps Matter
Under checkered, reduce speed and use the cool-down lap to bring your brakes and engine temps down gradually. Don't treat it as an extra hot lap.
Flags Memorized? Let's Go.
Check out the full track day prep guide for everything else you need to know.