Amateur Radio License Plates

[jwt873]

Out of interest, I went searching to see when my province first started issuing ham plates.. I had no luck there, but I came across this interesting page Complete first issue set of Ham License Plates, from the Mike Ludkiewicz collection. Now with STORY.

A fellow managed to collect an amateur radio plate from every state in the year they were first issued.

Seems the ham plate thing caught on in the early 50's. This kind of makes sense, because for security reasons, in the 1940's ham radio was shut down during the war. I guess it became popular again in the 50's when it was reinstated.

 

[KK6WTT]

But as I've been repeatedly told, Cali is one of those states where the plate attaches to the car. You sell the car, the plate goes with it. Have I been mislead? Or do they treat vanity plates differently?

Vanity and specialty plates can be retained by the owner and transferred to another vehicle. In the case of amateur radio plates, they would most certainly have to because the driver must possess the matching FCC license.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?...mv_content_en/dmv/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch21/ch21_38]

 

[KE0GXN]

The plates sooner than expected. The DMV said it would take about 4–6 weeks. However, they arrived in about 3 weeks.

Dam....CA felons don't mess around. Wish ours were that quick....

 

[Rred]

"becuase criminals can scan them and"
Pretty much anyone can fill out a form (in most if not all states) and find out who your car is registered to, and at what address. However, they have to submit proof of ID, supply a fraudulent reason (unless you really did hit them and run), and go on record.
The FCC gives out all that information for free and anonymously, as do others who repeat that from the FCC data. Making a call sign more dangerous. (In fact, there's some discussion going on now about how many states are violating privacy rights with their "sunshine" disclosures.)

Probably 20 years ago, in an online forum dealing with an expensive hobby, someone mentioned about taking his dream vacation for three weeks. When he got home, his expensive hobby equipment was all gone. More recently, in some collector car forums, the admins have made a point to remind the newbies to BLOCK OUT THEIR LICENSE PLATES when they post car pictures. As a direct result of several "Dude, where's my car?!" incidents, where these cars were stolen from home driveways.

Yes, it is nice to see credentials and know whether you're talking to another anonymous dog in the internet. (You do run background checks to confirm that, don't you?). But the web is also a very well-used tool by professional criminals, who know how to exploit all sorts of things that the sheep have no idea can be used against them.

Put your call sign, effectively your name and address, on your car? Sure. Put your phone number on there too, so they can call and clean you out while you're not home.

Sorry, seen the dark side of the internet for way too long now. Sometimes after specific illumination and enlightenment from folks like the Secret Service and FBI. Why make it easy for the wolves?

 

[Delta33]

Oh oh...

 

[AK9R]

As I recall, the ARRL was instrumental in a national campaign to state governments to recognize Ham Radio for its emergency capabilities; that was back in the days when Hams actually were of value to their states. The plates carried no special privilege, as I recall- they were just a special recognition of the public service aspect of amateur radio.

I've been licensed since 1991 (I know, I'm a spring chicken compared to some of you guys) and I've had callsign plates almost the whole time I've been licensed. I've also been involved in severe weather spotting and public service for pretty much my entire amateur radio career. So, I have enjoyed having callsign plates because I thought they showed some recognition of my service to the community and showed that I was a member of an "elite club".

As an aside, I got stopped by an Illinois State Police trooper late one night on I-39. I wasn't speeding enough to warrant a ticket, but the trooper did notice that I was having some directional stability issues. She thought I was drunk..I was just tired and needed some sleep. We discussed my situation and I agreed to get off the road at the next interchange and take a nap. Indiana callsign plates don't carry any "Amateur Radio" or "Ham Radio" legend nor do they have any depictions of lightning bolts or transmitting towers. Nonetheless, the trooper asked if I was a ham radio operator to which I replied "yes". She went onto say that her grandfather was a ham and that she thought it was a cool hobby. This is probably the only time that a police officer has taken note of my amateur radio plates.

This whole conversation about amateur radio plates has gotten me thinking. I have an app on my smartphone that lets me look up callsigns. Assuming that your average criminal is smart enough, it would be pretty easy for one of them to see my callsign plate in traffic, look up my info on their smartphone, and come up with an address that they could potentially target for some high dollar equipment. While most criminals are not too bright, otherwise they wouldn't be criminals, there are segments of criminal society are getting to be a lot smarter about tapping into sources of information about potential victims. Yes, I could get a PO Box (I've had PO Boxes before).

Given the lack of purpose for having a callsign plate coupled with the ease of determining my address, I'm starting to rethink my license plate strategy.

Indiana is one of those states that has a special plate for just about everything. In addition to standard car or truck plates, you can get "In God We Trust" plates, amateur radio plates, disability plates, plates for just about every college and university in the state, plates for veterans of every military service plus plates for disabled veterans, gold star families, ex-POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and then there are the plates for various organizations ranging from the American Diabetes Association to Special Olympics. Many of these plates carry an additional fee that goes to the recognized group or organization.

And, finally, here's the point of my post: I'm thinking that next time my plates are due, I may just drop the amateur radio plate and get a "Support our Troops" plate. Yes, it will cost more than the callsign plate, but at least part of that money will go to a worthy cause.

 

[n4yek]

Tennessee Ham Radio plates are 'Whacker' plates. They have your callsign on it and across the bottom of the plate it says 'Emergency'.
:lol: :lol:
Here is a picture of mine on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011420923181

 

[Project25_MASTR]

I've been licensed since 1991 (I know, I'm a spring chicken compared to some of you guys) and I've had callsign plates almost the whole time I've been licensed. I've also been involved in severe weather spotting and public service for pretty much my entire amateur radio career. So, I have enjoyed having callsign plates because I thought they showed some recognition of my service to the community and showed that I was a member of an "elite club".

As an aside, I got stopped by an Illinois State Police trooper late one night on I-39. I wasn't speeding enough to warrant a ticket, but the trooper did notice that I was having some directional stability issues. She thought I was drunk..I was just tired and needed some sleep. We discussed my situation and I agreed to get off the road at the next interchange and take a nap. Indiana callsign plates don't carry any "Amateur Radio" or "Ham Radio" legend nor do they have any depictions of lightning bolts or transmitting towers. Nonetheless, the trooper asked if I was a ham radio operator to which I replied "yes". She went onto say that her grandfather was a ham and that she thought it was a cool hobby. This is probably the only time that a police officer has taken note of my amateur radio plates.

This whole conversation about amateur radio plates has gotten me thinking. I have an app on my smartphone that lets me look up callsigns. Assuming that your average criminal is smart enough, it would be pretty easy for one of them to see my callsign plate in traffic, look up my info on their smartphone, and come up with an address that they could potentially target for some high dollar equipment. While most criminals are not too bright, otherwise they wouldn't be criminals, there are segments of criminal society are getting to be a lot smarter about tapping into sources of information about potential victims. Yes, I could get a PO Box (I've had PO Boxes before).

Given the lack of purpose for having a callsign plate coupled with the ease of determining my address, I'm starting to rethink my license plate strategy.

Indiana is one of those states that has a special plate for just about everything. In addition to standard car or truck plates, you can get "In God We Trust" plates, amateur radio plates, disability plates, plates for just about every college and university in the state, plates for veterans of every military service plus plates for disabled veterans, gold star families, ex-POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and then there are the plates for various organizations ranging from the American Diabetes Association to Special Olympics. Many of these plates carry an additional fee that goes to the recognized group or organization.

And, finally, here's the point of my post: I'm thinking that next time my plates are due, I may just drop the amateur radio plate and get a "Support our Troops" plate. Yes, it will cost more than the callsign plate, but at least part of that money will go to a worthy cause.

Interesting. The Texas Radio Operator plate is based off of the Texas Exempt plate and at a distance can look very similar. They are very basic plates…the current generation is white background, black lettering with lettering dictating "Radio Operator" or "Exempt". So inexperienced officers sometimes wonder why a non- Chevrolet/Ford/Dodge vehicle has those types of plates.

What's really funny though is when you have multiple vehicles registered under the same plate. You'll be driving vehicle B and when they run the plate vehicle A will pull up. At that point the fun begins as for those who haven't dealt with the radio operator tagging before don't know you can actually scroll to the next vehicle. Keeps things interesting.

 

[SCPD]

The security issue that surrounds this topic was one I didn't allude to when I wrote yesterday, but it is probably *The* reason I wouldn't have call letter license plates. You guys are a lot more, let me use the term, "Macho"-- about things like not fearing the Boogeymen that we females tend to be--- having your Identity plaster'd on the rear of your car causes many of us of the opposite sex to be cautious, maybe a tad paranoid. I have several female ham friends, and though it has never been a topic for discussion, none of us have call sign plates. Taking this a step further, I don't use any of my own physical addresses (or PO boxes) for my ham license information. Years ago when I used to enjoy DX'ing from the Pacific, I changed my license address to that of a friend; she was/remains my QSL manager (and forward'er of any official FCC mail.) I've been a KL7 since forever-- but today any callsign lookup of me shows me a thousand miles from my now-home in the Rockies (this can produce some rather curious responses when talking on-air to other hams they often instinctively pointing their beams at Alaska, then checking the data base because 'something's not right,' they see I'm suppose to be in the eastern "lower 48,"-- to only to learn that I'm in NM or CO... )
.
I don't think things have changed at all, human nature wise. There were just as many bad people out there years ago as today. Bad things have always happened and always will. Are we are just more aware of it it, with the expanded information age?... I think so. Never-the-less, why not error a bit on the side of caution?*
.
.........................................CF
.
.
* a woman's view, (smiles)

 

[Delta33]

I fully agree Lauri. Its foolish to to plaster your identity on vehicle tags! My personal tags don't come back to my actual address either.

 

[k6cpo]

All this paranoia about ham radio plates is hilarious.

It wouldn't surprise me if the same hams that are afraid of putting call sign plates on their car run around town wearing a ball cap with their call sign on it, or wear a call sign name badge when they go to meetings or a hamfest, not to mention using their call signs on internet forums. And of course, we all have to ID every ten minutes on the air.

Use some common sense, people.

 

[Delta33]

All this paranoia about ham radio plates is hilarious.

It wouldn't surprise me if the same hams that are afraid of putting call sign plates on their car run around town wearing a ball cap with their call sign on it, or wear a call sign name badge when they go to meetings or a hamfest, not to mention using their call signs on internet forums. And of course, we all have to ID every ten minutes on the air.

Use some common sense, people.

WE DO! That's Why we don't Do any of those things! IF I go to a ham fest you'd have No idea if I was a ham or not.

 

[Delta33]

All this paranoia about ham radio plates is hilarious.

It wouldn't surprise me if the same hams that are afraid of putting call sign plates on their car run around town wearing a ball cap with their call sign on it, or wear a call sign name badge when they go to meetings or a hamfest, not to mention using their call signs on internet forums. And of course, we all have to ID every ten minutes on the air.

Use some common sense, people.

NOT everyone is as Daft as you might think !

 

[SCPD]

"Use some common sense, people..... All this paranoia about ham radio plates is hilarious."
.
Quoted--
.
Not wanting to sound the Wise A**, but Common Sense is what this License Plate discussion has become. Before I launch, I will say, in the over-all scheme of things, this is quite a trivial matter. That said, there are still passionate opinions here expressed that beg attention..
I agree- at a HamFest, wearing your call-sign hat and pin is very appropriate-- it a a safe venue. Your lack of being anonymous keeps you straight while on the air-- ham radio doesn't devolve into CB (laffing) because people know who you are.... its an appropriate venue for your callsign.......
If you are a Star Wars convention goer (I am NOT, btw), you can safely attend as Darth Vader and be fairly assured of a peaceful reception. ...step outside and into an airport-- maybe a little different experience..... a different venue.....
Now for any of you fathers out there- if you have a beautiful young teenage daughter (who I am assured you'd allow to attend in all the attire- the of above listed functions) I think you'd not agree to her going out anywhere with a Tee-shirt saying:
.
. "HI ! I'm Tiffany!!
..My number is 307.555.1234 but
..why not visit me 123 Elm Street??!!!
.... "73's and big 88's! "
.
.
Ok,.Ok..... a little over exaggeration - said to to make a point... though I think you parents got my point right off....
.
My next example is more subtle, but this is reality based. I like analogies, --please draw your own conclusions from the following---.
.
I have a favorite cousin: a Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, Reserve ( awww, not fair, I love all my cousins... but I am so particularly proud of her!)-- who not long ago returned from her ump-teen tour of a very nasty place that need not be named. We work in very similar side by side arenas-- she was coming to see something we had finished for her agency. Meeting her 'plane at Kirkland AFB, she wearing her Cami's-- and I remarked -
.
"I like your Oak Leaf's" (referring to her LC oak leaf officer pins)
'
"Oh? " .... her response
.
"Its the 'White House, Black Market ' fashionista in me (like yeah)".. I said, but we both knew what I left unsaid.
Anyone familiar with the newer uniforms now knows that the military rank insignias are flat black. Why?... well, lets just use two words-- "sniper' and 'whack'd" (and "whack'd" hardly in the term of mody'ing a radio.)
If the military see a reason to tread lightly on overt identification....???.... draw your own conclusions to that and Call Letter plates.
.
OK, a bit of paranoia, I admit, but if all the above legitimizes your feelings, say 'thank you Coyote".. (laughing )
Do what you want,--- I certainly I do. I don't live in fear, but I have a 16Ga. shotgun in my Jeep, and I carry a .357 in my purse/jacket when in town (CCW, of course!) or on my hip when I walk my dogs on the Mesas or in the mountains. Be cautious, but be aware! And for God's sake, do NOT embroider you darling little daughter's name on her clothing!
.
............................... "Hi Suzy!... " said the Big Bad Wolf
................................"Your mother Lauri wants me to take you home!"
.
Call Letter license plates anyone?
.
.
........................................CF

 

[scrotumola]

Kind of off-topic, but I will add this to the thread...

W5PKY brings up an interesting thing. Yes, here in Texas you can register multiple vehicles with the same callsign. The problem arises when one of the vehicles is stolen and you are out driving the other vehicle.

Not only do the officers receive a stolen hit thru TCIC/NCIC, but the vehicle does not match the description of the stolen they are pursuing. Be prepared for some interesting interaction with the PoPo.

The prospect is especially troublesome if the vehicle is never recovered and your callsign will forever be "10-99." (stolen in TCIC/NCIC) Just about all you can do in this case is change your call if you insist on displaying Radio Operator plates.

The other thing: here in Texas, as a condition of being eligible to obtain and display amateur radio operator plates, the vehicle displaying MUST be equipped with a radio(s) that are operational and capable of operating on amateur radio frequencies.

I once knew a Texas DPS Trooper who happened to be a licensed Amateur Radio Operator who actively cited people displaying Radio Operator plates, but did not have the required qualified radio equipment in that vehicle.

~S~

 

[Jimru]

Tennessee Ham Radio plates are 'Whacker' plates. They have your callsign on it and across the bottom of the plate it says 'Emergency'.
:lol: :lol:
Here is a picture of mine on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011420923181

Someone must have done a real good promotional job for ham radio to get the "Emergency" thing on the ham plates!

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

In many states a license plate belongs to the driver, is transferrable from car to car, and must be surrencered to cancel your insurance, registration, and liability when the car is sold or scrapped.

But as I've been repeatedly told, Cali is one of those states where the plate attaches to the car. You sell the car, the plate goes with it. Have I been mislead? Or do they treat vanity plates differently?

Then in some states, you get two plates for $25, one for each end of the car. In others like FloriDuh, even the state police complain that there's no way to identify a car until after it has run over you, because you can't buy a front plate for love or money. And you pay about $225 for the ONE rear plate. (Which you can take from car to car, forever, or keep in a closet if you have no car. No affect on insurance or anything else.)

61 jurisdictions in the US, each makes its own rules about plates. (Sounds dumb to me.)

Actually here in Florida, if you have ham tags, after about 5 years the DMV reissues a replacement tag and you can do whatever you wish with the old tag other than attach to a different vehicle. So I attach my old tag to the front of my vehicle after removing the yellow registration sticker. By the way, I use security screws to thwart theives.

 

[AC2OY]

Well if anything this thread has provided some great stories....LOL. 😊

 

[GrumpyGuard]

Dam....CA felons don't mess around. Wish ours were that quick....

It's rare to get plates that quick in Ca., as most of the time they are on lock down.

 

[n4yek]

Someone must have done a real good promotional job for ham radio to get the "Emergency" thing on the ham plates!

Ham Radio was put into this class because of RACES, "....Emergency Services". I wish we had our own tag, I really don't like having 'Emergency' on my tag since I am not an emergency personnel nor do I want to be mistaken for one.

Tennessee does NOT really have Ham Radio tags. The 'Emergency' tag started as a general tag that could be requested from any person that was a Fire Fighter, EMS worker, Rescue Squad employee. While it is still used as such, there are now Fire Fighter tags, Rescue Squad tags that can be requested for those individuals.

The security issue that surrounds this topic was one I didn't allude to when I wrote yesterday, but it is probably *The* reason I wouldn't have call letter license plates.

I understand your concern, but look at it this way. I have so many people ask me what my plate is saying, they think it is a personalized tag.
They do not know or understand it is a callsign and even after telling them what it is will not know they could look up my address with it.
Those that do know it is a callsign are usually ham operators anyway.