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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-willful-interference

Which of these is prohibited for amateur radio operators?

Willful or malicious interference is never allowed.

  1. International contacts on VHF and higher bands
  2. Willful or malicious interference ✔
  3. Third-party traffic using digital modes

Why: Hams may never deliberately interfere with other stations. Talking to other countries on VHF and passing third-party messages by digital modes are both allowed under the right conditions.

Huh, didn't know that: Part 97.101(d) says no ham may willfully or maliciously interfere with any radio communication or signal.

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What do you call a ham who keys up over everyone? A real transmission problem.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Element 2), errata Feb 19, 2026 https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
  2. 47 CFR 97.101 General standards (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-B/section-97.101

Test yourself in the game

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