Why must operators of radio frequency devices allow the FCC to inspect their equipment?
The Commission must ascertain essential facts pertaining to the operation of a station which may be vital to the resolution of a number of questions, including interference problems involving public safety. For this reason, the FCC must be able to check all covered equipment that have the potential to emit radio frequencies. Section 303(n) of the Communications Act gives the FCC this authority. Q: What happens if I do not allow the FCC agent to inspect my equipment? A: Failure to allow inspection forecloses the opportunity to resolve the problem. Thus, refusal to allow inspection is a serious challenge to the Commission’s authority to inspect radio stations and is a violation of the Rules. Such a refusal may lead to revocation of a license, maximum monetary forfeiture, or other Commission sanctions. Q: The FCC Agent standing at my door does not have a search warrant, so I don’t have to let him in, right? A: Wrong. Search warrants are needed for entry involving criminal matters. One of
