New Hampshire Mother Fights to Keep “PB4WEGO” Vanity Plate After DMV Demand
A Family Phrase Turned License Plate
A New Hampshire mother found herself at the center of an unexpected dispute with state officials after the Division of Motor Vehicles moved to revoke a personalized license plate she had used for more than 15 years.
The plate, reading “PB4WEGO,” was a lighthearted reminder for children to “pee before we go” on family trips — a phrase widely used by parents to avoid unnecessary stops on the road.
For years, the plate had become a familiar and cheerful sight, often drawing smiles, honks, and compliments from other drivers.
DMV Orders Plate to Be Surrendered
In August 2019, the New Hampshire DMV sent an official notice to Rochester resident :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} instructing her to surrender the plate within ten days.
Officials said the message violated administrative rules governing vanity plates, which prohibit references to bodily functions such as excretion.
The agency offered her a replacement plate at no additional cost, but the decision meant giving up a personalized message she had used for over a decade.
A Surprising and Emotional Reaction
Auger expressed confusion over the ruling, explaining that the phrase was a common parental reminder rather than an offensive statement.
She noted that the message had always been intended as humorous and practical, not inappropriate.
She also pointed out the irony of the decision in a state known for its motto, “Live Free or Die,” suggesting the ruling felt overly restrictive.
Public Backlash and Viral Attention
After sharing the DMV letter and photos of her plate on social media, Auger’s story quickly went viral.
Many users defended the plate, calling it funny, relatable, and harmless, while parents shared similar experiences of reminding children to use the restroom before traveling.
The story sparked widespread debate about how government agencies interpret language on personalized plates.
Rules Behind Vanity Plate Restrictions
New Hampshire’s DMV had updated its guidelines following a 2014 court decision that required clearer standards for rejecting vanity plates.
Under the revised rules, references to bodily functions were explicitly prohibited, which led officials to reassess previously approved plates.
Although the plate had been accepted for years, the updated policy triggered its reconsideration.
Governor Steps In
The dispute eventually reached then-Governor :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, who intervened after learning about the situation.
He encouraged the DMV to reconsider, stating that the phrase was widely understood as a harmless parental reminder rather than inappropriate content.
His involvement helped shift the outcome in favor of Auger.
Decision Reversed
Following the governor’s intervention, officials allowed Auger to keep her personalized plate.
The resolution was welcomed by supporters who viewed the case as an example of common sense prevailing over rigid interpretation of rules.
Auger expressed relief and shared her appreciation publicly, celebrating the outcome with supporters online.
A Broader Debate on Expression
The case sparked broader discussion about freedom of expression and how government agencies regulate personalized messaging.
Supporters argued that intent and context should matter when evaluating vanity plates, especially when phrases are widely recognized in everyday life.
Others emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement of rules to maintain standards across all registrations.
Life After the Controversy
In the years following the incident, Auger continued to use her plate, which remained a source of amusement for fellow drivers on New Hampshire roads.
The story has since become a well-known example of how small administrative decisions can unexpectedly gain national attention.
For many, the “PB4WEGO” case remains a memorable illustration of humor, bureaucracy, and public influence intersecting in everyday life.