Amateur radio operators in New Hampshire are eagerly awaiting the passage of a measure by their state lawmakers to create a new vanity license plate type for motor vehicles that “clearly identifies the owner of the vehicle to be an amateur radio operator.”

A public hearing was held last month on the House Bill which would “authorize the creation of vanity license plates and decals that identify amateur radio operators by their Federal Communications Commission call sign. If the owner chooses not to display their call sign they may use a standard issue plate featuring a lightning bolt symbol to indicate their status as a licensed amateur radio operator.”

If lawmakers approve the bill, it would still need the signature of Gov. Kelly Ayotte (AY-ott) before becoming law. Gov. Ayotte (AY-ott) has shown support of ham radio, proclaiming June of last year "Amateur Radio Month" in recognition of radio operators' important roles in public service and emergency communications.