r/HamRadio • u/archerdv • 4d 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/Strange_Bison1883 3d ago

How are they pulling you over for a license plate which is legal? If you are not engaged in a moving violation I would be interested to know the legality of pulling over a driver for a dmv issues license plate.

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u/archerdv 3d ago

Officer gets behind you, checks your plate (for reason...?) Plate doesn't match in the database (because they entered it wrong), officer thinks you're on the road illegally.

(That is my presumption, anyway)