A mother from New Hampshire was left bewildered after the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) demanded she return a personalized license plate she’d proudly displayed for 15 years. The playful plate was originally intended as a humorous reminder for her children to use the restroom before leaving home, but suddenly, it was classified as inappropriate.
Wendy Auger, a resident of Rochester, New Hampshire, was astonished to learn that her vanity plate, reading “PB4WEGO,” had become controversial. The phrase, which means “pee before we go,” was simply her way of reminding her children before long drives. Over the years, the plates had drawn praise for their humor and practicality, but the DMV unexpectedly labeled the phrase as referencing “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
In 2019, Auger received a notice from the DMV instructing her to return her cherished vanity plates. “It would really stink to lose it,” said Auger, who frequently enjoyed the positive attention the plate brought her. “If they take this away from me, it contradicts the ‘Live Free or Die’ spirit,” she commented, invoking New Hampshire’s state motto.
Auger, who works as a paralegal and is a mother of four, highlighted the plate’s harmless intent. “Every parent has probably told their kids to ‘pee before we go,'” she argued. “It’s just a fun, non-offensive family joke we’ve always enjoyed.” She expressed disbelief about the DMV’s sudden objection, stating, “There’s absolutely no valid reason for them to remove it.”
The DMV insisted the plate’s combination of letters was inappropriate, giving Auger a mere ten days to surrender it. They did, however, offer her the option to select a different personalized plate at no extra charge.
In reaction, Auger shared the DMV’s recall letter and images of her license plate on Facebook. The post quickly gained traction, prompting numerous supportive comments. One user described the situation as “ridiculous,” calling the plate “funny, cute, and practical.” Another user wondered aloud, “What’s happening here? You’ve had that plate forever!” Others joined in with playful comments, including one who humorously asked, “Does it mean pee or pay?”
Responding with humor to supporters suggesting she challenge the recall, Auger joked, “Live free or die my arse,” and humorously proposed her next plate might read, “DMV SUX,” though she acknowledged it might get her pulled over frequently.
Her viral post soon caught the attention of Governor Chris Sununu, who personally intervened to overturn the DMV’s decision. Governor Sununu reached out directly to Auger, leaving her a message saying, “Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu. Just wanted to let you know we’ve sorted it out. Sorry for the bureaucratic hiccup, but common sense has finally prevailed.”
On August 28, 2019, Auger celebrated her victory publicly on Facebook, joyfully announcing, “This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!!!”
Wendy Auger’s story resonated widely, highlighting how a simple family tradition unexpectedly became a battleground over bureaucratic judgment versus common sense. Her “PB4WEGO” license plate saga stands as a memorable victory for family humor and determination.