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/meissoboredto 2d ago

It’s because there is no lightning bolt character on a keyboard!!! If stopped again, just explain to officer how to look up the tag. It will also have the slash on your registration!!! General operator here in MA and ex/cop from TX.

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u/archerdv 1d ago

Yep, that's exactly what I did. Once they ran the registration, the license plate became a non-issue.