A mother of four, Wendy Auger, was left stunned when New Hampshire’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) demanded she surrender a vanity plate she had proudly displayed for 15 years. The plate, which was a playful and harmless reminder for her children, was suddenly deemed inappropriate by the state DMV, sparking a heated debate over the true meaning of the license plate.
The Story Behind the Vanity Plate
Wendy Auger, a mother from Rochester, New Hampshire, had used the vanity plate “PB4WEGO” for over a decade. The plate was a simple reminder to her children to use the restroom before leaving the house. For Wendy, the phrase “pee before we go” was not only practical but also a lighthearted message that resonated with many parents.
As a paralegal, Wendy explained that her plate was simply a part of her family’s routine, one that many parents can relate to. “Who hasn’t said that to their kids before leaving the house?” she questioned, referring to the common parental reminder. For her, it wasn’t about making a statement but about creating a family tradition that was both practical and a bit of fun.
The DMV’s Controversial Decision
In 2019, however, Wendy received a letter from the New Hampshire DMV that would change everything. The DMV instructed her to turn in the vanity plate that had been a part of her car for 15 years. According to the DMV, the combination of letters in her plate could be interpreted as referring to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.” This ruling seemed out of place to Wendy, who had never intended for the message to be anything other than lighthearted and family-friendly.
The letter informed Wendy that she had 10 days to return the plate and that she could select a new customized plate at no additional cost. While the DMV’s reasoning was based on an interpretation of the plate’s meaning, Wendy found the entire situation frustrating. “It would just stink if I don’t have it anymore,” she said, highlighting the absurdity she felt about the entire ordeal.
Public Reaction and Support
After receiving the letter, Wendy took to social media to share her experience, posting the letter and a photo of her beloved vanity plate. The post quickly went viral, garnering support from many who agreed that the plate’s message was harmless and fun. One comment on Wendy’s social media read, “Such a ridiculous situation… Not only is it funny and cute, it’s a really good reminder!” Another comment echoed this sentiment: “What’s going on?! You’ve had that plate FOREVER!”
Many users suggested that Wendy petition the recall and stood behind her, joking about how the DMV had overreacted. Wendy, ever the witty and resilient mom, shared with her followers that if the DMV insisted on taking her plate, she might replace it with “DMV SUX”—a cheeky suggestion that garnered laughs from her supporters.
A Victory for Common Sense
The controversy eventually reached the ears of New Hampshire’s Governor, Chris Sununu, who saw the situation for what it was: a case of bureaucratic overreach. Governor Sununu personally reached out to Wendy, apologizing for the misunderstanding and telling her, “Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu, how are you? Just want to let you know we took care of that issue… sorry for that little bureaucratic hold up up there… but obviously common sense prevailed.”
On August 28, 2019, Wendy joyfully shared the good news on her Facebook page, announcing that she could keep her vanity plates. She wrote, “This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!!!” in a celebratory post, thanking everyone who had supported her through the ordeal.
The Importance of Common Sense
Wendy’s victory is not just a personal triumph—it’s a reminder of how important common sense is in everyday decisions. In this case, what seemed like a simple and humorous vanity plate was nearly taken away due to an overzealous interpretation of the plate’s meaning. Thankfully, the situation was resolved through understanding and a recognition that not everything needs to be viewed through a lens of suspicion.
Wendy’s story has since become an example of how social media can be used to bring attention to issues that affect everyday people. It’s also a reminder of how public figures and leaders can play an important role in supporting the interests of their constituents, especially when those issues are rooted in common sense and fairness.
The Legacy of a Vanity Plate
Wendy Auger’s story has become a symbol of the small but important victories that come from standing up for what’s right. Her vanity plate may seem trivial to some, but to her and many others, it was a meaningful part of her family life—a daily reminder of the practical challenges and joys of parenting.
While some may still question whether the DMV’s decision was justified, the support Wendy received from her community and the eventual intervention by Governor Sununu reflect a broader sentiment: that small, harmless acts, like choosing a funny license plate, should not be subject to unnecessary scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Mother’s Triumph
Wendy Auger’s battle over her vanity plate was more than just about a license plate—it was about standing up for the things that matter, defending family traditions, and challenging bureaucratic decisions that don’t reflect common sense. Thanks to public support and the intervention of local leadership, Wendy was able to keep her plate, and her story serves as a reminder that, sometimes, standing your ground leads to positive change.
What do you think of Wendy’s situation? Have you ever experienced a similar challenge in your own life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and let’s continue the conversation about how we can stand up for common sense in the face of unnecessary regulations.
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