At an airport, a red and white checkered flag is the international standard for marking obstructions and safety hazards on the airfield. According to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, any vehicle that is permitted to drive on the "airside" (the areas where planes taxi, park, or take off) must display this flag to ensure they are highly visible to pilots and air traffic controllers. You will most commonly see these flags on construction vehicles, maintenance trucks, or inspection cars working near the runways or taxiways. The checkerboard pattern—usually with 0.45-meter squares—was chosen because it is one of the most eye-catching designs against the grey backdrop of asphalt and concrete. Beyond vehicles, stationary hazards like low-hanging structures or temporary equipment may also be painted in this red and white checkered pattern. In 2026, while many airports use advanced GPS tracking for ground vehicles, this physical flag remains a "failsafe" visual requirement to prevent ground collisions and ensure the safety of both aircraft and airport personnel.