I frankly don’t understand what you’re on about.
I don’t understand the firetruck reference at all. But I think your argument about exhaust is specious. I’m thinking about boats and where the flags are placed in regards to exhaust. No, you don’t put the flag directly in the exhaust - but she has weathered lots worse than some exhaust swirling around her.
The young man did violate flag etiquette by placing the flag on the left instead of the right - an easy mistake in automobile culture. Otherwise, he was fine.
The words I quoted are from the Code. It is not specious.
The flag should not be put in a position where it is easily soiled; so stated in Code. Putting it on the rear as many of our firetrucks do (never mind others including plain p/u’s) is blatantly putting it in harm’s way with exhaust, dirt spray from rear tires, and touching other dirty items (such as the vehicle itself), e.g.
That is what I am on about.
I know it is not his intention, nor is it many others’. However, it still puts the flag in a bad position, including “in the back”, rather than out in front as they really should be.
I think the minor changes in ‘76 and so on did not go far enough. It is obvious what the historical meaning was, and has gotten a bit lost with the “new words”.
OK I finally looked at the truck in question.
His placement of the flag places it in danger of touching the (dirty) top of the roof, and the fender, as well as the possibility of the wheel well - disaster. It may also be touching the bed of the truck as is.
Again, I’m just talking strict rules - especially the spirit of the rules.
I don’t mean the boy has to be suspended, or chastised, or otherwise punished.