Currently California issues customized license plates to licensed amateur radio operators with their FCC callsign as the customization. The design of the plates is no different than normal customized plates. This makes identification hard, and impossible unless you understand the FCC callsign structure. The license plates are supposed to signify a mobile amateur radio station, or that the vehicle has amateur radio capabilities via its owner/operator.

Many amateur radio operators participate in ARES, RACES, MARS, or other such emergency communication groups. In such times as activation, drills, training, or events, members use their personal vehicles to drive to scenes or operate from a scene. Having the ability to be identifiable by authorities or even the public that you're an amateur radio station can be crucial and can assist in getting through police lines to reach your destination.

Having easily identifiable plates also creates more public awareness which can help maintain and create interest in the amateur radio hobby, which in turn can assist in creating eligible members for emergency communication programs such as the ones mentioned above.

The solution is simply. California should amend the current plate design for licensed radio amateurs who wish to have customized plates on their vehicles to include an identifying mark or text. Most other states do just this with the words "Amateur Radio Operator" or with a symbol of an antenna that is ubiquitous with amateur radio, or both clearly visible on the license plates.

As a member of Anaheim RACES and a licensed radio operator, this issue is important to me. Together we can help make California more amateur radio friendly and possibly safer.

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Greg Ryman
KK6VIT