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Why do people have “ham radio” license plates?

BRUTALITY asked:


I understand what a ham radio is, but why would someone need a specific license plate stating “ham radio”?
i can understand that someone may want to ‘customize’ their plates, but why would the state care? why would they go through the trouble of putting a special stamp down the side? there has to be a reason other than personalization, at least as far as i can imagine

3 Responses to “Why do people have “ham radio” license plates?”

  1. helpimarock says:

    I’m not sure weather its a culture thing or not. Maybe they have a short wave radio in their car ? I think its the same reason people get vanity plates.

  2. John says:

    If you were an amateur radio operator, you’d understand.

    These plates identify us to other hams. Also, amateur radio is used in emergency situations, and can help public safety to identify vehicles that could be authorized access to disaster sites to help in communications emergencies.

  3. cato___ says:

    In addition to the good answer directly above mine, states generally charge extra “Vanity Plate” fees for Amateur radio plates. Some states have other “special interest” plates too, to allow people to indicate their interests in birds, baseball, football etc.

    Basically, in the U.S. governments are run by elected officials…and if state representitives can make some voters happy with something as simple and insignificant as special plates, they do.

    The bigger question is why does it bother you?

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