ARRL Technician Practice Exam

If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to operate a transmitter on amateur service frequencies?

1. Yes, until it is officially revoked

2. No, transmitting is not allowed until the FCC license database shows that the license has been renewed

3. No, you must stop immediately

4. Yes, but only for emergency purposes

The correct answer is: No, transmitting is not allowed until the FCC license database shows that the license has been renewed

When a ham radio operator's license has expired, it is crucial to understand the implications of operating in the amateur service. The correct answer indicates that transmission is not permitted until the license is officially renewed and reflected in the FCC license database. This is because, while there may be a grace period during which the operator can apply for renewal, the actual act of transmitting without a valid, confirmed license status is against regulations. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure that operators maintain their qualifications and adhere to the legal requirements that govern amateur radio operations. The FCC considers the license database as the authoritative source of valid licenses; therefore, without an active listing in this database, the operator is not authorized to transmit. In contrast to the other choices, which either imply continued operation under certain conditions or suggest allowances for general use or emergencies, the FCC's stance is clear that operating with an expired license, even within a grace period, is not permissible without renewal confirmation. This protects the integrity of the amateur radio service and ensures compliance with federal regulations.