Federal · Title 22 — Foreign Relations and Intercourse

22 U.S.C. § 454: Unlawful use of the American flag by vessel of foreign state

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

Foreign vessels are prohibited from displaying the U.S. flag or markings that indicate American registration. Violating vessels may be barred from U.S. ports and territorial waters for three months, except in emergencies.

Read the full statutory text

It shall be unlawful for any vessel belonging to or operating under the jurisdiction of any foreign state to use the flag of the United States thereon, or to make use of any distinctive signs or markings, indicating that the same is an American vessel. Any vessel violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be denied for a period of three months the right to enter the ports or territorial waters of the United States except in cases of force majeure.

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.