Parents often experience a familiar routine before embarking on a car trip with their children: Parent: “Did you go to the bathroom?” Child: “No, I don’t have to go.” Parent: “Go now, you may not get the chance later.” This was a repeated conversation for one New Hampshire mother, Wendy Auger, with her four children. It inspired her vanity license plate, “PB4WEGO,” which she proudly used for 15 years without issue.
However, on 16 August, Auger received a letter from New Hampshire authorities requesting that she surrender her plate. The letter cited the phrase’s reference to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
Auger, who does not consider herself a political activist, found this decision unreasonable. She emphasized that the plate was a harmless part of her family identity and saw no valid reason for its recall.
The DMV wants to recall a mother’s ‘PB4WEGO’ vanity license plate she’s had for 15 years: https://t.co/WOeAL3Wbpz pic.twitter.com/B3Vzg0ucOA
— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) August 29, 2019
The letter provided Auger with 10 days to surrender her plate PB4WEGO. She could either choose a new vanity plate at no additional cost or be assigned a standard plate, with a partial refund of her vanity plate fee.
After learning about Auger’s predicament through a mutual friend, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu intervened. He contacted the Division of Motor Vehicles and advocated for her to retain her plate.
Sununu later confirmed that he had left a message informing Auger of the decision to allow her to keep the plate.
Auger expressed relief and determination, stating she would not have surrendered without a fight.
In New Hampshire, the cost of a vanity license plate includes the town/city and state registration fees, an additional $40 vanity plate fee, and a one-time $8 fee, according to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
CNN reached out to the New Hampshire DMV for comments but received no response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Wendy Auger’s license plate recalled?
The plate was recalled because it included a phrase relating to ‘sexual or excretory acts or functions.’
What does Wendy Auger’s license plate say?
Her plate says ‘PB4WEGO,’ reminding her kids to use the bathroom before a car ride.
How long has Wendy Auger had her license plate?
Wendy Auger has had her ‘PB4WEGO’ license plate for 15 years.
What did Governor Chris Sununu do about Wendy’s plate issue?
Governor Chris Sununu urged the DMV to let Wendy keep her license plate.
How much does a vanity license plate cost in New Hampshire?
A vanity plate in New Hampshire costs $40 plus town/city and state registration fees and a one-time $8 fee.