Relating to radio operators blackout special registration plates for motor vehicles, and including effective date provisions

Under current law, an owner of a motor vehicle who holds an amateur radio license issued by the federal communications commission may order radio operators special registration plates bearing the call letters authorized for the radio station covered by the person’s amateur radio license. Current law also authorizes the department of transportation (DOT) to issue blackout plates to an owner of a motor vehicle, which are plates with a black background and white numbers and letters. This bill authorizes the DOT to issue radio operators blackout special registration plates. An applicant otherwise eligible for radio operators plates may obtain radio operators blackout plates upon the payment of the $5 fee for radio operators plates set forth under current law, which is in addition to the special blackout fee. The annual fee for radio operators blackout plates is $5, which is in addition to the annual special blackout fee and the regular annual registration fee.34(3) to require special radio operators plates, such as radio operators blackout plates, to be surrendered upon expiration of the owner’s amateur radio license. The bill takes effect January 1, 2021.