A mother of four was taken aback when New Hampshire’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requested that she return the vanity plates she had cherished for 15 years.
These plates serve as a gentle reminder for each of her sons to use the potty before getting into the car.
However, the DMV, failing to recognize Wendy Auger’s innocent message, concluded that the plates alluded to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
In 2019, Wendy Auger from Rochester, New Hampshire, received a directive from the DMV to hand over the vanity license plate she had proudly displayed for 15 years.
“It would be such a shame if I lost it,” remarked the mother of four, who often gets praised for her amusing license plates.
Citing the state’s motto, “live free or die,” Auger continues, “If I have to remove it from the plate, then I won’t be able to live freely.”
Her plates say “PB4WEGO,” serving as a reminder to her kids to “pee before we go” whenever they get in the car.
“Who hasn’t heard a mom, dad, or guardian say that to their kids before heading out?” the paralegal inquires. “I’m not one to protest, but really.”
“I’m not a political activist,” she explains to CNN. “But this is a harmless thing that’s part of our family identity and mine, and there was absolutely no reason for them to take it away.”
The letter from the DMV requesting the return of the plates states that the letter combination refers to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
At that moment, Auger had 10 days to return her plate and was offered the chance to select another custom plate at no additional charge.
After receiving the letter, she posted the recall notice on Facebook along with images of her plates.
The post gained significant attention. One user commented on Auger’s social media: “What a ridiculous situation… It’s not only funny and adorable, but it’s also a great reminder!” Another added, “What’s happening?! You’ve had that plate for ages.”
A third user suggested, “Would that be Pee or Pay…??? lol”
In response to the users who motivated her to start a recall petition, Auger states, “Live free or die my arse,” and then humorously adds, “I think dmv sux will be my next one…but I may get pulled over quite often lol.”
Her post circulated widely on social media, eventually catching the eye of New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who reversed the decision. He sent her a message saying: “Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu, how are you? I just wanted to let you know we resolved that issue…sorry for that little bureaucratic hold up up there…and the push back…but obviously common sense prevailed.”
On August 28, 2019, Auger posted a new message on Facebook, celebrating her win. Wendy was allowed to keep her vanity plates.
“This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!!!,” Auger writes.
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