For 15 years, Wendy Auger, a devoted mother of four from Rochester, New Hampshire, sported a vanity license plate that served as a playful reminder to her children to “pee before we go” when they were getting ready for a car trip. However, in a surprising twist, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) demanded that she surrender her beloved plate, claiming that the message was inappropriate and referred to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.” This was despite the fact that the plate had been in place for over a decade and was widely considered humorous and harmless by those who saw it.
The Controversial Vanity Plate: “PB4WEGO”
The license plate, “PB4WEGO,” might seem harmless to most, especially since it is simply a reminder for her children to take a quick trip to the bathroom before heading out. Auger explained that the phrase, “pee before we go,” was a common phrase she used with her kids before hitting the road. She described the plate as a fun and innocent reminder, part of the everyday family routine.
But, to the surprise of many, the DMV saw things differently. In 2019, Auger received a letter from the DMV asking her to surrender the vanity plate. According to the letter, the combination of letters in her plate was deemed to be referring to “sexual or excretory acts or functions,” a categorization that left Auger stunned. This ruling forced her to relinquish the plate within 10 days, or face further consequences.
License plate. Credit / Shutterstock
Wendy’s Reaction and the Public Response
Wendy Auger, a paralegal, was not happy with the decision. She expressed that the plate was a part of her family’s identity and a harmless joke. In a Facebook post that went viral, she shared the recall letter, along with photos of the plate. The post quickly caught the attention of many, sparking conversations about the absurdity of the situation.
One social media user commented, “Such a ridiculous situation… Not only is it funny and cute, it’s a really good reminder!” Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the plate had a positive and functional purpose in her family’s routine. The internet buzzed with support for Auger, and many expressed disbelief at the DMV’s decision.
Governor’s Intervention: A Victory for Common Sense
The situation gained further traction when New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu caught wind of the controversy. After the post went viral and Auger received widespread support from the public, Governor Sununu intervened. In a personal message, he informed Wendy that the DMV had reversed its decision and allowed her to keep the vanity plates. The governor acknowledged that the issue had been a bureaucratic mistake, adding that “common sense prevailed.”
Auger was ecstatic with the outcome, sharing her victory on Facebook with the message, “This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!!!” The public’s support had made a difference, and the DMV’s decision was overturned, allowing her to continue using her vanity plate as a lighthearted reminder for her children.
A Broader Discussion on DMV Guidelines and Common Sense
The entire episode raised questions about the role of government agencies in regulating vanity plates and how they interpret guidelines. The situation drew attention to the importance of considering context and common sense when applying regulations. While the DMV’s rules aim to prevent offensive or inappropriate messages, this case demonstrated that sometimes, a little humor and family-friendly messages can be misunderstood or overregulated.
This incident also highlights the power of social media in influencing public opinion and holding public officials accountable. Auger’s viral post and the subsequent intervention from the governor proved that when citizens rally together, they can effect change, even in bureaucratic systems.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Humor and Bureaucracy
Wendy Auger’s story is a reminder that humor, especially when it comes to family and everyday life, should not be squashed by overly rigid regulations. It is clear that the DMV’s decision was an overreach, and the swift intervention by Governor Sununu demonstrates that common sense can triumph over unnecessary bureaucracy.
Auger’s victory serves as a reminder that while rules are important, there is always room for flexibility and understanding. So, the next time you see a funny or quirky vanity plate on the road, remember that it might just be a little slice of humor in an otherwise mundane journey.
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Keywords Used: License Plate, DMV, Common Sense, Humor, Family, Government Regulations, Social Media
