Note: We are republishing this story, which first made headlines in August 2019.
The Department of Motor Vehicles ordered a New Hampshire woman to surrender her 15-year-old vanity license plate reading “PB4WEGO,” claiming it violated rules because it referenced the word “pee.” According to reports, vanity plates containing phrases related to bodily fluids are prohibited under current regulations.
The plate’s owner, Wendy Auger, a bartender from the Gonic neighborhood of Rochester, New Hampshire, strongly disagreed with the decision. She argued that her plate represents harmless “free speech” and reflects a common parental phrase — “Pee before we go” — often said to children before leaving home. Auger expressed frustration, noting she had displayed the plate for nearly 15 years without issue.
“Who hasn’t heard a parent say that to kids before heading out?” Auger said, adding she never expected the phrase to be considered offensive. Supporters quickly rallied behind her, saying the state’s motto, “Live Free or Die,” should apply in situations like this. Keeping her sense of humor, Auger joked that removing the plate “would stink,” referencing the playful meaning behind it. She explained she had long wanted the plate and secured it when the state expanded license plate character limits from six to seven letters.
State officials responded in an email, saying vanity plate rules were tightened years ago following a New Hampshire Supreme Court order, making guidelines more specific. However, they declined to comment further on Auger’s case due to privacy laws. For now, Auger awaits a final decision, maintaining that mentioning “pee” should not be considered offensive.