At all times, however, the green lights remain lit. No flag displayed at the starter’s stand implies safe, green-flag conditions. However, the flag itself is typically not continuously waved by the starter.

If the race is not under caution or delayed, it is said to be under green-flag conditions. The waving of a green flag is almost universally supplemented with the illumination of green lights at various intervals around the course, particularly on ovals. During a race, it is displayed at the end of a caution period or a temporary delay to indicate that the race is restarting. The solid green flag is usually displayed by the starter to indicate the start of a race. In addition, the green, yellow, and red flags described below may be augmented or replaced by lights at various points around the circuit. Status flags are used to inform all drivers of the general status of the course during a race.

Alternatively, some race tracks employ lights to supplement the primary flag at the start/finish line.

Track marshals are also stationed at observation posts along the race track in order to communicate both local and course-wide conditions to drivers. Typically, the starter, sometimes the grand marshal of a race, waves the flags on top of a flag stand near the start/finish line. Racing flags are traditionally used in auto racing and similar motorsports to indicate track condition and to communicate important messages to drivers.

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