Mom’s 15-Year-Old Vanity Plate Gets Pulled by DMV—Find Out Why It’s Now ‘Inappropriate

The DMV recently told Wendy Auger she must give up her vanity plates after having them for 15 years.

The plates were a fun way for Wendy to remind her sons to use the potty before getting into the car. However, the DMV decided the plates were “inappropriate” because they thought the message referred to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”

Wendy, from Rochester, New Hampshire, was surprised by this decision. She said, “It would just stink if I don’t have it anymore,” and added that she often gets compliments on her funny plates.

Referring to New Hampshire’s motto, “live free or die,” Wendy said, “If I have to take it off the plate, then I’m not going to be able to live free.”

Wendy’s vanity plates read “PB4WEGO,” which stands for “pee before we go,” a reminder for her kids to use the bathroom before getting in the car.

Wendy, a paralegal, questioned the DMV’s decision: “Who hasn’t heard a parent say that to kids before leaving the house?” She added, “I’m not one to protest, but this is really over the top.”

The DMV’s letter explained that the combination of letters on her plates was considered to refer to “sexual or excretory acts or functions,” which is why they asked her to surrender them.

Wendy Auger told CNN, “I’m not a political activist, but this plate is a non-offensive part of who we are as a family. There’s no reason for them to take it away.”

She was given 10 days to return her plate and could choose another customized plate for free.

After receiving the letter, Wendy shared it and photos of her plates on Facebook. The post quickly went viral.

On Auger’s social media, one user commented, “Such a ridiculous situation… Not only is it funny and cute, it’s a really good reminder!” Another wrote, “What’s going on?! You’ve had that plate FOREVER.” A third user suggested, “Would that be Pee or Pay…??? lol.”

New Hampshire governor steps in to help woman keep ‘PB4WEGO’ vanity plate https://t.co/Sf9kp5ff8l pic.twitter.com/cvCdstikxK

— Tulsa World (@tulsaworld) August 29, 2019

In response to those who encouraged her to petition the recall, Auger joked, “Live free or die my arse,” and playfully added, “I think DMV sux will be my next one…but I may get pulled over quite often lol.”

Her social media post caught the attention of New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who intervened to help Wendy keep her “PB4WEGO” plate. The Governor sent her a message saying, “Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu. How are you? Just wanted to let you know we took care of that issue… Sorry for the bureaucratic hold-up and pushback, but obviously, common sense prevailed.”