Area codes 503 and 971
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North American telephone area codes 503 and 971 services several locations in Oregon, including Portland, Salem, McMinnville, Tillamook, Astoria, and other locations in northwestern Oregon. Area code 503 was one of the original area codes created in October 1947, and prior to the creation of area code 541, which began service on November 5, 1995, it covered the entire state. On October 1, 2000, area code 971 was added to share the service area, with the exceptions of Clatsop and Tillamook counties, and 10-digit dialing became mandatory in that area. Visibility of 971 has been lower than expected, with some businesses in the overlay still advertising only seven-digit numbers.
[edit] Uses
Some teenagers in the Portland area, influenced by gang culture have made a "503" gang sign. It consists of crossing the two hands, the left hand holding five fingers (the 5), and the right thumb and index fingers folding to show a 0. The other three fingers (on the right hand) are held up to show a 3.
[edit] See also
| State of Oregon area codes: 503, 541, 971 | ||
|---|---|---|
| North: 360 | ||
| West: Pacific Ocean | area codes 503/971 (coastal counties served only by 503) | East: 541 |
| South: 541 | ||
| State of Washington area codes: 206, 253, 360, 425, 509 | ||
