Kart racing is controlled by a number of different flags. At any race meeting, there will be a number of points around the track designated and manned as flag points. At these points, a yellow or blue flag may be displayed. In addition to these, the Clerks of the Course may also use a variety of different flags. It is extremely important that every competitor is familiar with every flag and obeys them at all times. 

Strict penalties will be imposed for failing to observe or obey the specific instructions of any given flag.

Green Flag Waved - This signals the start of the race. Lights may also be used to start a race. If lights are used the race is usually started when the lights go off or when changed from red/orange to green.

Red Flag - Race Stoppage: Immediately cease racing. Proceed slowly and with caution to the start line or obey Clerk of Course/Race Director’s instruction and be prepared to stop should the track be blocked.

Last Lap Board - Either type of board may be used. Indicates kart is entering the final lap of the race.

Black Flag - Cease racing, reduce speed and return to the pits immediately. Driver to report to the Clerk of the Course/Race Director within 15 minutes after the race. This flag will be displayed to the competitor concerned near or at the finish line together with a panel/board displaying his/her respective kart number. The use of this flag will be restricted to the following circumstances:- The competitor, in the opinion of the Clerk of the Course/Race Director,is being a danger to him/her self and/or other competitors.- Failure to respect - black flag with orange disc, green flag with yellow chevron, blue with red diagonal and or chequered flag.

Black & White Diagonal Flag - Indicates that a severe warning is being given, and may mean disqualification. Take heed. Driver to report to the Clerk of the Course within 15 minutes after the race. This flag will be displayed to the competitor concerned at or near the finish line together with a panel/board displaying his/her respective kart number.

Yellow Flag - A Yellow light may also be used. Caution - reduce speed. Maintain position until an operational flag point that is not displaying a Yellow Flag or Yellow Light has been passed. To assist following competitors, providing it can be done safely, a competitor should raise one arm to indicate that he/she is slowing for the Yellow Flag or Yellow Light. A waved Yellow Flag or flashing Yellow Light - extreme caution, be prepared to stop.

Blue Flag - Blue FlagA Blue light may also be used. Another competitor is about to lap you. You must hold your course and must allow the following competitor to pass.

Chequered Flag - Indicates the end of the race. 

Black Flag with Orange Disc - Kart is considered unsafe. When shown to a particular driver by the Clerk of the Course/Race Director or under his/her instructions indicates that the driver must cease racing, reduce speed and return to the pits immediately. This flag will be displayed to the competitor concerned at or near the finish line together with a panel/board displaying his/her respective kart number.

Green Flag with Yellow Chevron - Reform flag. The field is required to reform and present itself to the starter for a restart.

Blue and Red Double Diagonal Flag - This flag will be displayed to the competitor concerned at or near the finish line together with a panel/board displaying his/her respective kart number. The driver concerned must cease racing, reduce speed and return to the pits immediately before being lapped or also when he/she has been lapped.
​​​​​​​This flag will be used at NZ and Island Sprint Championship and CIK Trophy of NZ events. It may also be used at other similar format events providing it is approved and provided it is part of the Supplementary Rules of the event. 

Yellow with Red Stripes - Conditions of adhesion of the track surface has suddenly deteriorated in the area beyond the flag. This flag is most frequently used to signal that oil has been dropped on the track, but it can also be used to inform drivers of either a pool of water large enough to cause aquaplaning or due to local shower drivers are about to pass from a dry to a slippery surface. This flag shall be displayed for four laps or until the surface returns to normal.

Number Board - Race Officials number board that will be used in conjunction with the flags in certain situations.