New Brunswick Amateur Call-Plates

By

Wilfred (Fred) LeBlanc VE9UN

 

CALLPLATES
“A touch of History”
Sometime between the 21 Feb 1956 at the time when New Brunswick Amateur Radio Association Inc. was formed, and 1962, CALLPLATES started to appear on HAM operator’s vehicles.

From what I was able to fine out, VE1ABZ Norris Hayward, a charter menber, on behalf of the New Brunswick Amateur Radio Association Inc. had various meetings with offcials of the provincial government to have callplates accepted as a means of vehicle registration for the New Brunswick amateur radio operators. To show their appreciation for the assistance given by the amateurs during times of disasters, they approved the request, but not without restrictions.

In the GOOD OLD DAYS upon requesting for callplates, it was necessary for the HAM operator (in the presence of the JUSTICE OF THE PEACE) to sign a statement that indicated the vehicle had aHAM RADIO installed and that it was in operating condition, otherwise the plates would be returned to the MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION OFFICE.

Printing of plates was done only once a year. Since then, through on-going meetings with Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Registration Executives and the NBARA’S Callplate Committee they succeeded in having: a) restrictions removed, b) plates printed serveral times during the year, at the same time Motor Vehicle Registration is placing an order to regular and/or vanity plates printed. Approximately three weeks after the list has been submitted to “Motor Vehicle Registration”,callplates are received, new registrations are prepared and placed with the plates and then mailed directly to the Amateur Radio Operator’s (HAM) residence (QTH)

Not too long ago some officials of the Motor Vehicle Registration were ready to treat CALLPLATES in the same manner as VANITY PLATES, which presently cost over $160.00 . Members of theNBARA were able to meet with the officials and convince them to continue with the present system.

Being able to have callplates on our vehicles is “Not a Right” but a “Privilege“, display them with pride, demonstrate good driving habits and be courteous to others.

I believe that you will agree, the staff of the “Motor Vehicle Registration Branch ” at King’s Place are giving us, the New Brunswick Hams, nothing but the very best of service.

PS. For those who have received callplates, show your appreciation for the service given by sending them a brief note of thanks in c/o Susan MacCracken, Motor Vehicle Branch, PO Box 6000, Fredericton NB, E3B 5H1.

 

MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION
Manual
Section: vehicle registration section Chapter/page 2.6.2.2. 1 dated 16/12/85
Title: Plates issued Subject: Amateur Radio “VE1 or VE9”
These are special plates issued to licensed Amateur Radio Operators (HAM) bearing their individual’s call letters. Effective 01 Dec 1993 New Brunswick call letters begin with the PREFIX VE9 OR VE1 followed by their individual’s call letters.

Amateur Radio CALLPLATES are only issued through Head Office, renewals may be processed at the Revenue Office in the usual manner, etc.

Amateur Radio CALLPLATES are to be issued only to passenger or light commercial vehicles of 2249 kg or less.

Note: motor homes falls in the passenger vehicle category.
Under no circumstances can an Amateur Radio CALLPLATES be issued to anyone other than the person to whom a validated Radio Station License bearing the call letters has been issued. Callplates issued under these conditions can only be displayed on his/her vehicle of principle use, i.e:

  • 1. an amateur radio station license of Clubs and/or organizations etc., sponsored by a licensed Amateur Radio Operator are not considered to be the sponsor’s station or call letters.
  • 2. VE1 callplates replaced with VE9 callplates are no longer valid, therefore are not transferable to other vehicles.
  • 3. if an individual for one reason or another is no longer an Amateur Radio Operator, the callpates are to be replaced with regular plates, and said callplates should be returned to the Head Office for disposal.

Note: Exemption has been waived for para b and c, if you wish, old callpates can be retained by yourself for the purpose of using them as souvenirs only.

Amateur Radio callplates, being a special plates, can be moved from one vehicle to another as per instructions under plates exchanges, Section 2.4.2.

Note: under no circumstances can a vehicle displaying Amateur Radio callplates be transferred without doing a plates replacement at the same time.

 

How to Apply
For
Amateur Radio Operator’s Vehicle Call-Plate
May 2020

To apply for Amateur Radio Operator’s Vehicle Call-Plate use one of the following methods:

Please Note: Call-Plate are only valid for passenger, motor homes or light commercial vehicles of 3000 kg or less
The request must include the following:
1. Callsign
2. Your full name “as it is on your Vehicle Registration”
3. Your complete address “As it is on your Vehicle Registration”
4. Both home and/or Cell phone number(s)
5. Location of SNB Office that serves your area.

At times it can take up to six (6) weeks before the Call-Plate is received by the Service NB office in your area.

Please direct any inquiries pertaining to your request for Call-Plate to me, Fred LeBlanc – (506) 472-3215

When the Service NB in your area receives the Call-Plate, they will contact you by phone to let you know your Call-Plate
is ready to be picked up.

To pick up your Call-Plate, you will need to do the following:

1. Remove the existing vehicle plate from your vehicle and bring it in with you. You will have to give the plate to a
Service NB representative for disposal.
2. Bring in your vehicle registration.
3. Bring in your proof of insurance.
4. Provide a copy of your Amateur Radio Operators Certificate with your Callsign to prove you are the owner of the
Callsign on the Call-Plate

Fred LeBlanc VE9UN
NB Amateur Radio Call-Plate Coordinator