New Jersey's Radio Hams win mobile ban exemption

Amateur Radio has won an important exemption in New Jersey. One that should keep the state's radio hams running mobile for a long time.

Amateur Radio Newsline's Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ, reports:

New Jersey Assembly Bill A 4146 and Senate Bill S 1099 / 2764 were introduced in the New Jersey legislature to restrict cell phone use and text messaging while driving. The twin measures were passed on June 21st and await the governor's signature.

As originally introduced, the bills would have prohibited the use of any and all electronic communications devices for talking, listening or text messaging while driving. This could have meant that New Jersey hams would have effectively been banned from operating while mobile in motion.

But that won't be the case. This is because the combined measure as passed includes a sentence that makes Amateur Radio the only service exempt from the all inclusive ban. That hard fought for exemption reads -- and we quote:
"For the purposes of this section an 'electronic communication device' shall not include an Amateur Radio".

Talk about getting a broadly worded exemption that covers every aspect of Amateur Service communications. More important it means that use Amateur Radio while driving will continue to be permitted in New Jersey. The only caveat is that it is done safely and the ham operator is not engaging in inattentive driving.

The new law goes into effect four months after the governor signs it. From that point on, hams are advised to keep a copy of the measure and their Amateur Radio license in your glove compartment if you drive in the Garden State.

Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ
Amateur Radio Newsline

The exemption for Amateur Radio came about thanks to the work of the hams in the Northern New Jersey and Southern New Jersey ARRL sections who contacted their legislators. This, to make sure that Amateur Radio mobile operations weren't adversely affected by the then pending legislation

Source: Amateur Radio Newsline