Personalized license plates give car owners a cool way to show off their personality. People who are ready to spend a little extra money can create their own license plates with special messages or unique mixes of letters and numbers. These vanity plates let folks be creative and express themselves in a fun way. But sometimes, state governments and motor vehicle departments might not approve certain words or phrases, which can lead to a vanity plate application being turned down.
Wendy Auger has recently encountered an unexpected situation regarding her vanity plate, which she had proudly showcased for fifteen years. The plate, featuring the humorous phrase “PB4WEGO,” had brought joy to many as she traveled the highways and backroads of her home state of New Hampshire. However, Auger, a bartender residing in the Gonic area of Rochester, was surprised to learn that the Department of Motor Vehicles deemed the wording on her plate to be offensive.
Auger firmly believes that the state is trying to infringe upon her freedom of speech, which is a fundamental right. Furthermore, she contends that the phrase “pe* before we go” is not an unsuitable expression for a vanity plate. She interprets it as a practical piece of advice that parents frequently offer to their children.
Auger did not obtain the plate impulsively. After years of diligent searching, she was excited about its long-anticipated availability. Taking advantage of this opportunity, she decided to showcase “PB4WEGO” on her New Hampshire license plate. This change was prompted by the state’s recent decision to raise the character limit for vanity license plates from six to seven.
The state indicated that the modifications were implemented several years prior as a result of a directive from the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and the current regulations are now highly detailed.
Should Auger be required to replace her fifteen-year-old license plate?
New Hampshire DMV Takes on Longtime Vanity Plate Holder
Vanity plates have always been a fun way for car owners to show off their personality, but they can sometimes stir up some surprising debates. Wendy Auger, a bartender hailing from Gonic, New Hampshire, is in quite the pickle after showing off her funny vanity plate, “PB4WEGO,” for a solid 15 years.
This fun little message—seen as a friendly nudge to “pee before we go”—has put smiles on the faces of many travelers on highways and backroads. So, it turns out the New Hampshire DMV has decided that the phrase on Auger’s plate isn’t quite right and has asked her to give it up.
Is it Freedom of Speech or Just Going Too Far?
Auger is standing his ground. She claims her plate is totally harmless and takes issue with the DMV’s call, saying it’s a violation of her freedom of speech. She thinks the phrase isn’t offensive at all—it’s just some practical advice that a lot of parents share with their kids before hitting the road.
A Dish Years in the Making
This plate is anything but ordinary for Auger. After years of anticipation, she finally got it when the state decided to bump up the character limit for vanity plates from six to seven. When the chance came up, she eagerly seized the opportunity to add a fun twist to her ride.
What’s with the sudden problem?
The state’s position comes from tougher vanity plate rules that were put in place years back after a decision by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The DMV has rolled out some clear guidelines to keep any potentially offensive or controversial language off those plates. It’s a bummer for Auger that her plate is now getting some unwanted attention, even though it’s been around for quite a while on the roads.
What’s up next for Auger?
The big question is: will Auger have to say goodbye to her plate after 15 years of happy memories, or can she win the battle to hold onto it? This case really brings to light a bigger conversation for Auger and her supporters about finding that sweet spot between personal expression and government rules.
Keep an eye on this showdown over a cherished license plate—it’s a funny but important mix of creativity and red tape.
