New Hampshire Mom Challenges State Over “PB4WEGO” License Plate
What began as an ordinary letter from state officials quickly turned into a personal and legal battle for Wendy Auger. After more than a decade of driving with a personalized license plate that brought smiles to strangers and laughs from kids at stoplights, the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles suddenly deemed it “offensive.”
A Plate With a Personal Touch
For fifteen years, Auger’s plate — “PB4WEGO” — was a lighthearted nod to parenthood, a phrase familiar to families preparing for road trips. To her, it wasn’t crude or harmful, just a playful reminder of everyday life that sparked joy and connection. Being told it was inappropriate felt like a judgment not just of her humor, but of her identity as a mother.
Standing Up for Expression
State officials cited long-standing regulations and vague standards for offensive content. Auger refused to quietly comply, arguing that freedom of expression shouldn’t vanish simply because it appears on a license plate. Her case quickly drew attention beyond her own vehicle, raising broader questions about censorship, personal expression, and government control over seemingly harmless acts of individuality.
Bigger Questions About Rights
Auger’s dispute highlights a delicate balance: where should authorities draw the line between public regulation and personal freedom? Who decides what is truly “offensive,” and how much say should the state have over a simple, humorous message on a car?
Conclusion
Wendy Auger’s fight is less about a string of letters and more about defending personal expression. Whether or not she ultimately keeps her plate,
her stand serves as a reminder that even small acts of individuality can test the limits of everyday liberties. In standing her ground, Auger illustrates that protecting free expression often begins with the smallest, most personal battles.