If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit?

• A. Yes, without any restrictions
• B. No, you must wait until the license has been renewed
• C. Yes, but only on certain frequencies
• D. No, but you can transmit for emergency purposes

Answer: (B)

To understand the regulations surrounding an expired amateur radio license, it's essential to recognize the rules set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding license expiration and renewal.

When a radio operator's license expires, the operator is generally not permitted to transmit until the license has been renewed, even if it is within the grace period. The grace period allows for the renewal of the license without requiring the operator to retake the examination, but it does not grant the authority to operate under the expired license. As a result, until the license is officially renewed and reflects the operator's updated status, all transmitting must cease.

This regulatory requirement ensures that all operators on the air have active licenses, promoting safety and compliance within the amateur radio community. It encourages operators to maintain their certifications and be familiar with the rules and responsibilities of amateur radio operation. Hence, any transmission with an expired license, even within a grace period, is not permitted, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an active status in the licensing process.