• As with the U.S. flag, the California flag has strict rules for its display.flag of california and usa image by pmphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Proper respect must be paid to any state flag, just as it is with the U.S. flag. The California flag is recognizable with its central bear figure and "California Republic" label. According to California statutes, there are specific laws for when, where and how the bear flag should be displayed.
  
  

With the U.S. Flag

• The U.S. flag should always be flown above the California flag.California flag image by palmer530 from Fotolia.com
  
  Federal law requires that all state flags be flown below the U.S. flag. If the flags are flown vertically, the U.S. flag must go to the left of the California flag, with the blue field of stars facing up on the U.S. flag and the bear's head facing up on the California flag.
  
  

Continuously Displayed

• The California bear flag must be displayed continuously and prominently inside all courtrooms that are courts of the state and in any room where a meeting of a county, municipal or state commission or county, municipal or state court session is taking place. The California flag in these locations also must be well-maintained.
  
  

Displayed During Business Hours

• During business hours, the California flag must be displayed outside or on the grounds of all public buildings owned by the state, county or municipality. The flag must also be flown at the entrances and exits of all state parks, the grounds or entrance of every University of California campus, the grounds or administration building of all high schools, universities, colleges and elementary schools within the state. All agricultural inspection stations both inside the state and near the state lines, as well as manned highway inspection stations, also should have a bear flag flown overhead.
  
  

Sporting Events and Processions

• The California flag, along with the U.S. flag, must be flown at all games and performances at any open-air site, including coliseums, bowls and stadiums, as well as at any racetrack where racing is taking place. Processions of the California State Guard, National Guard, any other state military organization, sheriff's posse and city police or fire department must begin with a state flag carried at the head of it.
  
  

Procedure for Flying

• At all times, the California flag must be raised and lowered quickly and without hesitation. The flag should not be flown during bad weather when it might be mangled.