Custom license plates offer car owners a unique opportunity to showcase their individuality. For those willing to pay an additional fee, they can personalize their license plates with custom messages or a combination of letters and numbers. These vanity plates provide a chance for people to showcase their creativity and express themselves in a unique and memorable way.
However, there are instances when state governments and their departments of motor vehicles disapprove of certain language, leading to the rejection of a vanity plate application. This can come as an unexpected disappointment to proud car owners like Wendy Auger, who recently learned that her vanity plate, which she had proudly displayed for fifteen years, was unexpectedly rejected due to a single word.
Auger’s vanity plate featured the phrase “PB4WEGO,” a light-hearted and amusing message that brought smiles to the faces of many as she cruised along the highways and remote roads of her home in New Hampshire. Despite this, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) deemed the plate offensive, causing Auger to question their perception of the situation.
Auger strongly believes that the state is attempting to suppress her freedom of speech, a fundamental right that should be respected. She argues that the phrase “pe* before we go” is not an inappropriate expression to have on a vanity plate. Rather, she sees it as a piece of practical advice that parents commonly give to their children.
It’s important to note that Auger did not acquire the plate on a whim. She had tirelessly searched for it for years and eagerly anticipated its long-awaited availability. When the state decided to increase the character limit on its vanity license plates from six to seven, she grabbed the opportunity and proudly chose to display “PB4WEGO” on her New Hampshire license plate.
The state, on the other hand, points out that the changes in license plate rules were made years ago due to a court order from the NH Supreme Court, making the guidelines more specific. While they may have legitimate reasons for their decision, Auger strongly believes that after fifteen years of proudly displaying her custom plate, she shouldn’t be required to replace it.
When it comes to custom license plates, the conversation should focus on respecting individual expression while considering the boundaries set by state regulations. Vanity plates offer car owners a chance to display their personality and add a touch of uniqueness to their vehicles. While it’s crucial to navigate the fine line between personal expression and offensive language, it is equally important to ensure that everyone’s freedom of speech is safeguarded, allowing individuals like Wendy Auger to proudly showcase their individuality for years to come.
