Cars with two flags on the emblem: make, history and recognition secrets

Cars with two flags on the logo - a rare and memorable phenomenon in the auto industry. Such emblems immediately attract attention, raising questions: what kind of brand is this, what is its history and why did the manufacturer choose such a symbol? Most often we are talking about machines associated with government departments, diplomatic missions or special services, but there are also civilian models with similar insignia.

In this article we will figure out what specific brands and models may have two flags on the body or emblem, how to correctly identify them and what to look for when buying such a car. You will also learn about legal nuances operation of cars with diplomatic signs, possible pitfalls and how not to run into scammers.

It's worth noting that most dual flag cars are not sold on the open market - they are manufactured limited quantities for a narrow circle of owners. However, some models (for example, Mercedes-Benz Pullman Guard or Cadillac One) can appear on the secondary market, and their value often exceeds millions of dollars. If you come across such an offer, you should check its legality ten times - more about this in one of the sections below.

Which car brands have two flags on their emblem?

Actually cars with two flags on the factory emblem doesn't exist - it's a myth. Two flags are usually displayed additionally on the body or mounted on special holders. However, there are several brands whose cars most often associated with this design:

• 🚗 Mercedes-Benz - limousines Pullman Guard and S-Class Guard often used by heads of state and diplomats. They can display the flags of the host country and the owner country.
• 🚙 Cadillac - model Cadillac One (aka "The Beast") - armored limousine of the US President. There are always two flags on it: the American flag and the flag of the state in which the president is located.
• 🚛 Volkswagen - in some countries diplomatic VW Passat or Audi A8 equipped with flag holders for two flags.
• 🚘 Toyota Century — in Japan, these cars are often used by high-ranking officials with national and departmental flags.

It is important to understand that two flags are not part of the car's design, and additional equipment, which is installed upon request. For example, on Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard flags are mounted on special brackets that can be dismantled. If you are offered a car with the “factory” two flags on the emblem, it is 100% fake or a homemade modification.

One more nuance: diplomatic cars often have special license plates (for example, with letters CD, CC or DIP), rather than two flags. Flags are mainly used for official visits or protocol events.

Why do heads of state always have two flags on their cars?

The first flag is the flag of the country that the owner of the car represents (for example, the USA for the President of America). The second flag is the flag of the host country (for example, Russia, if the US President came to visit Moscow). This is a rule of diplomatic protocol that is observed throughout the world.

How to distinguish a real “two-flag” car from a fake?

The used car market is rife with scammers who try to pass off an ordinary car as a “diplomatic” or “presidential” one. Here key features, by which you can recognize deception:

• 🔍 Lack of documents - real diplomatic or official cars have special technical passports with notes about reservation, special operating conditions or departmental affiliation.
• 🛡️ No reservation — cars for high-ranking officials always have armor level not lower than B6/B7 (according to standard VPAM). You can check this by the weight of the car (armored Mercedes S-Class weighs 1-1.5 tons more than standard).
• 🚩 Flags on double-sided tape - real flag holders are attached to special brackets with anti-vandal bolts, not glue or plastic clips.
• 📄 Numbers not from the diplomatic series - if the car has ordinary civilian license plates, but the seller claims that it is a “diplomatic car”, this is a clear sign of deception.

The only legal way to purchase a dual flag car is through government vehicle auctions (e.g. GSA Auctions in the USA) or from official dealers of armored vehicles (for example, INKAS Armored in Canada). In Russia, such cars practically never appear on the secondary market, since their sale is strictly regulated by law.

Make sure you have the original registration document with a reservation note|

Check the weight of the car - it should be significantly more than standard |

Inspect the flag fastenings - they should be metal, not plastic|

Ask for documents on deregistration (if the car has been used)|

Check the VIN with the databases of stolen and wanted cars-->

Legal nuances of operating cars with flags

If you have managed to legally purchase a car that was previously used by a diplomatic mission or government department, it is important to know legal restrictions its operation:

• 📜 Prohibition on the use of diplomatic numbers - even if the car used to drive with license plates CD, after sale they must be replaced with civilian ones.
• 🚨 Conversion restrictions - removing armor or changing the design of a car that is listed as “special” is possible only after agreement with the traffic police.
• 💰 Increased transport tax - Armored vehicles often fall into the highest tax bracket.
• 🛂 Problems with traveling abroad — some countries may prohibit the import of cars with diplomatic history without special permits.

In Russia, the operation of cars with two flags without corresponding status can be regarded as fraud or illegal use of state symbols (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). For example, if you independently install the flags of Russia and another state on your car, this could lead to a fine or even a criminal case if your actions are qualified as “misappropriation of the authority of an official.”

How much do cars with two flags cost?

Prices for such machines vary from $50,000 to several million dollars, depending on the model, reservation level and operating history. Below is a table with approximate prices for the most famous models:

Car model	Armor level	Year of manufacture	Approximate price (2026)
Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard	B6/B7	2018-2022	$1 200 000 — $1 800 000
Cadillac One ("The Beast")	B7+/VR10	2018 (modification)	Not for sale (only government orders)
Toyota Century Royal	B4/B5	2020-2023	$180 000 — $250 000
Audi A8 L Security	B6	2019-2023	$400 000 — $600 000
Volkswagen Phaeton (diplomatic version)	B3/B4	2015-2018	$80 000 — $120 000

It is worth noting that the price depends heavily on the mileage and technical condition. For example, Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard A 2015 with a mileage of 50,000 km may cost less than a new one Toyota Century Royal, despite the higher level of armor. Also affects the price availability of original documentation and service history.

Where to buy? Legal transactions take place through:

• 🏛️ State auctions (for example, GSA Auctions in the USA or Rosimushchestvo in Russia).
• 🛡️ Specialized brokers (for example, Armored Cars LLC or INKAS).
• 🚗 Official dealers of armored vehicles (for example, Mercedes-Benz Guard or Audi Security).

Is it possible to install two flags on a car yourself?

Technically yes, but legally it is extremely risky. In Russia use state symbols (including flags) is regulated by Federal Law No. 329-FZ “On State Flags”. If you install, for example, a Russian flag and a US flag on your car without the corresponding status, this can be regarded as:

• 📋 Illegal use of state symbols (fine up to 5,000 rubles according to the Administrative Code).
• 🚔 Fraud (if you are trying to pass off your car as a diplomatic one).
• 🛑 Violation of traffic rules (if flags block the view or interfere with other traffic participants).

If you really want to have two flags on your car, you can use a trick:

1. Use non-state flags (for example, the flag of your club or company).
2. Set flags inside the cabin (for example, on the dashboard), and not outside.
3. Get resolution at the local traffic police department (in rare cases this is possible for historical or vintage cars).

Important: Even if you set the flags “for beauty”, the traffic police inspector has the right to stop you to check your documents. Therefore, it is better to avoid such experiments if you are not ready for unnecessary conversations with law enforcement agencies.

Interesting facts about cars with two flags

Cars with diplomatic or presidential flags are surrounded by many legends and little-known facts. Here are some of them:

• 🇺🇸 "The Beast" has no analogues - armored Cadillac One The President of the United States weighs about 8 tons and is equipped with a biological weapons protection system. Its doors are 20 cm thick, and the glass can withstand hits from a heavy machine gun.
• 🇷🇺 Russian "tuples" - in the USSR and Russia, they were often used to transport top officials ZIL-41047 and Aurus Senat. The flags of Russia and the flag of the federal subject (for example, Moscow or St. Petersburg) were installed on them.
• 🇯🇵 Japanese modesty - The Emperor of Japan rides Toyota Century Royal, but his car is never equipped with flags when traveling around the country. Flags appear only at official events.
• 🇬🇧 British traditions — Queen Elizabeth II moved on Bentley State Limousine, which always carried the flag of Great Britain and the personal standard of the monarch.

Another interesting fact: cars with two flags often have "doubles". For example, in the US President's motorcade there are several identical Cadillac Oneto confuse potential attackers. Such cars are called "soundboard" and may differ from the main machine only in small details.

In Russia, a similar practice is used for Aurus Senat — in the presidential motorcade there are always several identical cars, and the real one can only be identified by special signs known to security.

Why do diplomats' cars sometimes have three flags?

The third flag usually belongs to the international organization represented by the diplomat (for example, the flag of the UN, NATO or the European Union). This is the rule of protocol for official visits.

What to do if you find a car with two flags for sale?

If you come across an advertisement for the sale of a car with two flags, don't rush to transfer money. First follow these steps:

1. 🔎 Check VIN through services Autocode, CarVertical or traffic police. Make sure that the car is not wanted and has no restrictions.
2. 📄 Request a complete package of documents, including:
   • Technical passport with notes about the reservation.
   • Certificate of deregistration (if the car was used by the embassy).
   • Purchase and sale agreement with the previous owner (if it was a government department).

🚗 Inspect the car at an authorized dealer — armored vehicles require special maintenance.

💰 Check tax implications - such cars are often subject to increased fees.

⚠️ Attention! If the seller refuses to provide documents or insists on a transaction without a contract, this is a sure sign of fraud. Diplomatic and armored vehicles always sold with a full package of papers.

It is also worth paying attention to price. If it is significantly lower than the market price (for example, Mercedes S600 Guard for $200,000 instead of $1,000,000), this is a reason to be wary. Probably the car:

• Stolen or with a criminal past.
• Has no real armor (only external modifications).
• Sold without approval from government agencies (which makes the transaction illegitimate).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with two flags

Is it possible to buy a real "presidential" car, for example, Cadillac One?

No, Cadillac One (or "The Beast") is not for sale to individuals. These vehicles are made to special order for the President of the United States and, after decommissioning, are destroyed or transferred to museums. However, armored ones sometimes appear on the secondary market Cadillac Escalade or Chevrolet Suburban, which were used to accompany the motorcade.

What fines are there for installing two flags on a regular car?

In Russia, illegal use of state symbols (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) may result in a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or compulsory labor. If your actions are classified as fraud (for example, you tried to pass off a car as a diplomatic one), the punishment may be more severe, including imprisonment.

How do you know if a car is really armored?

Real armor has several characteristics:

• The weight of the car is 30-50% more than standard.
• The thickness of the doors and roof is visually greater.
• Availability of a reservation certificate (for example, according to the standard VPAM BRV 2009 or STANAG 4569).
• Special glass (usually green or blue, 30-50 mm thick).

If the seller refuses to provide a certificate, most likely there is no reservation.

Is it possible to drive a diplomatic car from abroad?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is extremely difficult. Many countries (including Russia) require special permission to import armored or diplomatic vehicles. In addition, customs duties on such cars can reach 100% of their value. We recommend consulting with a customs broker before purchasing.

Are there civilian cars with two factory flags?

No, production civilian vehicles are never equipped with two flags at the factory. The exception is special versions for police or ambulance, but even there flags are added after purchase. If you are offered a car with "factory" two flags, it is either a fake or a homemade modification.