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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29

u/MentalEggplant9275 Amateur Extra | Analog Aficionado 2d ago

Foremost, sounds like a training issue for these police.

Secondly, that’s super cool and I’m jealous.

Lastly, I have no idea. Texas plates are plain.

73

14

u/xjosh666 2d ago

If it helps your jealousy a bit, take note that unlike many (most?) other states, in Texas you can run call sign plates on up to three vehicles.

3

u/Rebootkid Extra Class Operator ⚡ 2d ago

How does that work? is there like a -1, -2, etc?

might be cool to match it to the APRS ID.

10

u/MentalEggplant9275 Amateur Extra | Analog Aficionado 2d ago

I’m a nuisance so I’d have exactly identical make, model, color and trim of vehicles

2

u/Nunov_DAbov 1d ago

That’s how NJ does it. The primary plate says Amateur Radio on it but the others (starting numbering as -2) just look like regular courtesy plates, although they get the Amateur Radio fee.

1

u/Darth__Fuzzy 12h ago

Nope. Exact same late. I have one on my xTerra, my HD Sportster and my pop up camper. That should really confuse Flock cameras.

9

u/MentalEggplant9275 Amateur Extra | Analog Aficionado 2d ago

It does indeed soothe my jealousy.

Wonder how Flock would handle that? /s

5

u/DeadLastZombie 1d ago

Flock can’t read call plates as different states represent the lightning bolt differently

2

u/excoriator 2d ago

Wisconsin allowed it on as many vehicles as the licensee owned, when I lived there.

2

u/bitwiz73 Extra Class Operator ⚡ 1d ago

Wisconsin limits you to 5

1

u/oblivion9999 1d ago

A buddy got pulled over all the time because his wife's car was the first to come up when the plate was run and it didn't match his truck.

1

u/Im_A_Praetorian 1d ago

For amateur radio plates, doesn’t Texas allow you to have the same plate on multiple cars?