The DMV’s Rules on Vanity Plates
The controversy stems from state guidelines that govern vanity plates. In New Hampshire, the DMV has the authority to reject or revoke plates that contain language deemed offensive, indecent, or inappropriate. That includes profanity, explicit references, or messages that could be interpreted as promoting violence or discrimination.
The state’s Supreme Court previously ruled that license plates are state-issued property, meaning they are not a guaranteed platform for free speech. As a result, officials have wide discretion in determining which plates are acceptable.
Still, many argue that Auger’s playful phrase doesn’t cross any of those lines. “There’s nothing obscene about reminding someone to use the bathroom,” she insisted.
Public Reactions
When news of Auger’s revoked plate spread online, it quickly sparked debate. Thousands of social media users chimed in, with many siding with her.
- “If that plate is inappropriate, then half the things people say every day should be banned too,” one supporter wrote.
- Another added, “This is harmless humor—it makes people smile.”
Others, however, noted that the DMV has the final say. “It’s government property, not a personal billboard,” one commenter pointed out.
This divide highlights the broader challenge: what one official sees as lighthearted, another might flag as inappropriate. Across the country, vanity plate applications are routinely rejected for puns, jokes, or inside references—leaving drivers frustrated by what feels like inconsistent enforcement.
More Than Just a Plate
For Auger, the issue isn’t just about a string of letters and numbers—it’s about principle. “I shouldn’t have to give it up just because someone behind a desk suddenly decided they don’t like it,” she said. “At some point, common sense has to come into play.”
She now faces a choice: comply with the DMV’s order and swap out her plate, or challenge the decision through a formal appeal. While life’s everyday responsibilities—like bills and family—take priority, she hasn’t ruled out continuing the fight.
A Small Story, A Bigger Question
What makes Auger’s story resonate is how something so small can spark a much bigger discussion. Vanity plates may seem trivial, but they touch on larger questions of free expression, government authority, and where to draw the line between humor and regulation.
At a time when national headlines are often dominated by heavy and divisive issues, this story has reminded many people of the importance of everyday freedoms—and the value of a good laugh.
Whether Wendy Auger ultimately keeps “PB4WEGO” or not, one thing is certain: her story has left its mark. Parents everywhere recognize the phrase, kids everywhere roll their eyes at it, and now, drivers everywhere are debating just how far a little humor should go on the open road.
As Auger herself summed it up: “If we can’t laugh about telling kids to pee before a trip, then we’ve really lost our sense of humor.”