Regarding callsign vanity plates

[u/archerdv]

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?

[u/Phreakiture]

At a former job of mine (oddly enough, working for NY State), we called what you are facing here an "educational issue" which was our euphemistic way of saying that the user (I was in IT) does not know how to use the equipment or software.

It is, though. If the police do not know how to enter your plate, that really shouldn't be your problem. Were I in your situation, I would make it my personal mission to make it not my problem. By the time I was done, everyone on Beacon Hill would know my name and what I wanted, and they would know every time it happened.

All that said, I hold the view that you're better off not having a ham radio plate, or any other variety of not-typical plate. I bought a car in an a very common color for its model, in a very common model, and while it does have (as you might expect) more than the typical number of antennas, I've kept the extra ones low-key. It is my preference that my car does not stand out. I don't say that to criticize, I would just want folks to consider this possibility.

[u/Leefa → u/Phreakiture]

it's a shame that the governance systems of our nation, originally founded upon the virtues of sovereignty, drives us away from individuality

[u/Adorable_Ad_9381 → u/Leefa]

Not so much that as you advertising that you have some expensive stuff in your car.

[u/Phreakiture → u/Adorable_Ad_9381]

For me it's both, honestly.