She’s had her license plate for 15 years, but now the state finds it “inappropriate.”
Custom license plates allow car owners to express their individuality, but sometimes state governments reject vanity plate applications if they find the content contentious.
Wendy Auger, a resident of Rochester, New Hampshire, recently faced this issue when her vanity plate, “PB4WEGO,” was unexpectedly rejected after fifteen years. The DMV found the phrase offensive, but Auger, a bartender, disagrees, viewing it as harmless and practical advice commonly given to children.
Auger had carefully chosen the plate after waiting years for its availability, following the state’s increase in character limit. She believes the rejection infringes on her freedom of speech. The state, however, cites specific rules established by a NH Supreme Court order years ago.
Now, Auger faces the question of whether she should be required to replace her longtime license plate.