Federal · Title 14 — Coast Guard

14 U.S.C. § 933: Coast Guard ensigns and pennants

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Unauthorized vessels or aircraft cannot display Coast Guard ensigns, pennants, or similar insignia. Violations are punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or up to two years imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

Vessels and aircraft authorized by the Secretary shall be distinguished from other vessels and aircraft by an ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia of such design as prescribed by the Secretary. Such ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia shall be displayed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. No vessel or aircraft without authority shall carry, hoist, or display any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for, or intended to resemble, any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for Coast Guard vessels or aircraft. An individual violating this subsection shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.