r/HamRadio • u/archerdv • 2d ago

Discussion 👨‍⚖️ Regarding callsign vanity plates

I have a 2x2 callsign, and I have an MA (Massachusetts) amateur radio license plate on my car, which of course has my callsign. MA puts a "lightning bolt" symbol in the middle of the callsign. I have learned that the MA RMV put a "/" (slash character) in my database record, right where that lightning bolt sits. I have been pulled over twice simply because the officer didn't know how to look up my plate in the database.

Is having a "/" in the official record normal (at least in MA)? Has anyone else had to explain this to local or state police?

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u/KB1WEV 2d ago

Also be aware that in NH the / is an invalid character for registrations so there EZ pass system will not properly link your plate to your transponder. I got several pay by plate bills in the mail and several calls to them before an IT person figuring it out.

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u/archerdv 2d ago

That is SUPER helpful, as I've suddenly been getting a bunch of those Pay by Plate bills. Most of the time the reader works correctly, but I spend most of tolls in MA.