The **sunrise-to-sunset rule** is the convention, observed in most jurisdictions, that flags are displayed from sunrise to sunset only, and at no other times unless they are illuminated through the night. The rule reflects the practical and ceremonial origins of flag display and remains the basis of most national flag codes. Exceptions exist for flags marking continuous national days and for installations where the flag is floodlit.
**Example**: The United States Flag Code provides that the national flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset, except when properly illuminated during darkness.
**See also**: [hoisting](/glossary/hoisting/), [lowering](/glossary/lowering/), [flag-day](/glossary/flag-day/), [full-staff](/glossary/full-staff/)