Is it illegal to fly the Jolly Roger?

[BrunoWalli]

I’ve seen people display the Jolly Roger flag on boats and houses. Is it actually illegal to fly it, or is it just considered symbolic or decorative?

 

[royjasika]

Flying the Jolly Roger, a pirate flag, is not illegal in most countries if used for decoration or historical reenactments. However, flying it on a vessel at sea could cause confusion or suspicion, as it historically signified piracy, which is still a serious international crime under maritime law.

 

[Salvatore_Damon]

Flying the Jolly Roger isn’t illegal by itself — it’s just a pirate flag. The problem comes if you use it to threaten, commit crimes, or impersonate authorities, which can get you in trouble.

 

[AngelitaC6]

No, it is not illegal to fly the Jolly Roger (pirate flag) on private property or clothing. However, flying it on a ship at sea can cause confusion or suspicion, since historically it signaled piracy. So it’s legal, just context matters.