We often want to express ourselves and there are many different ways that we might decide to do it. For some, it could even be buying a personalized plate so that we can allow the world to see what is on our minds.
Personalized plates may cost more money but they are well worth it in the eyes of many people. After all, if you can figure out a way to encrypt what you want to say using only a few standard characters, you have the making of a great personalized license plate.
At the same time, however, there are limitations is what you can say. In some cases, the DMV or the state in general may think that what you are trying to say is offensive and they won’t allow it to be printed.
Of course, you have free speech and that is something that is guaranteed but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the DMV needs to play along. They also have their regulations and if the two conflict, you will have a very difficult time convincing them that what you want to advertise on the plate is going to fly.
Recently, a woman by the name of Wendy Auger received a letter that her vanity plate was being recalled. She had that plate for 15 years, and many people had smiled when they read the simple message, ‘PB4WEGO’
The state of New Hampshire’s Department of Motor Vehicles, however, decided to reject the license plate after 15 years for containing the word, pee. They considered that particular body function to be inappropriate.
Auger, however, was upset and felt that they were infringing on her constitutional right to free speech. She said that it wasn’t a matter of being inappropriate or vulgar, it was just a good reminder to use the potty before you hit the road.
The state cited that there were specific rules but unfortunately, the DMV was standing firm behind their decision.
She wasn’t finished, however, and she ended up taking it to court. She felt that they were wrong and that they were taking that rule too far, and even the governor of New Hampshire got involved.
After hearing it, he said: “Upon this being brought to my attention, I reached out to the Division of Motor Vehicles and strongly urged them to allow Wendy to keep the license plate she has had for the last 15 years.”
The governor then personally told her to leave her a message and share the good news that her plate would not be recalled.
Chalk one up for the little guy!