Change Requested by Ham Radio Operators Allows Zero on Vanity Plates in Iowa

A change in Iowa Department of Transportation rules for specialty plates pushed by ham radio enthusiasts is moving forward.  D-O-T Motor Vehicle Division director Melissa Gillett says they will now allow the number zero to be used on the plates.  She says there was interest from those who wanted to put their call letters on a blackout plate and they needed the ability to use zero to do that.  Police historically have not wanted the use of zero for one reason.  She says they felt there would be confusion between the letter ‘O’ and zero.  But now because there is a slash through the zero — police believe they will be able to easily distinguish between the two.