For more than fifteen years, Wendy Auger from Rochester, New Hampshire, drove her vehicle with a sense of humor and a practical parenting tip proudly displayed on her bumper. Her vanity license plate, “PB4WEGO,” was a playful reference to a phrase that every parent has uttered before embarking on a road trip: “Pee before we go.” It became a family hallmark, a conversation starter, and a lighthearted joke that brought smiles from fellow drivers since the mid-2000s.
However, the laughter abruptly ceased when a formal letter arrived from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In a move that left the mother of four astonished, the department insisted she return her plates immediately. The reason? The state’s bureaucratic censors had suddenly decided that the letter combination was “offensive” as it referenced “sexual or excretory acts or functions.” After fifteen years of trouble-free driving, the government determined that Wendy’s parental advice amounted to a breach of public decency.
The irony of the situation did not escape anyone, especially considering New Hampshire’s famous state motto: “Live Free or Die.” Wendy, a paralegal who identified as far from a political activist, felt the sting of the irony profoundly. “If I have to take it off the plate, then I’m not going to be able to live free,” she remarked. She contended that the phrase was a universal aspect of childhood—a gentle, relatable reminder used by parents everywhere to avoid unnecessary bathroom stops. To her, the DMV’s sudden crackdown seemed like a significant overreach of authority over a harmless family joke.
Facing a ten-day ultimatum to submit the plates, Wendy was determined not to let the matter fade away quietly. She turned to social media, sharing the recall letter and images of her car. The online response was rapid and overwhelming. The post went viral, igniting a wave of support from thousands who found the state’s decision ridiculous. Supporters labeled the situation “absurd” and “adorable,” with many highlighting that the plate served as a useful reminder for anyone with a small bladder.
As the story gained national attention, featuring on major news outlets like CNN, it eventually caught the notice of the highest office in the state. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu became aware of the “potty humor” controversy and decided that common sense should take precedence over bureaucratic red tape. In a personal gesture that circumvented the DMV’s strict ruling, the Governor reached out to Wendy directly.
“Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu,” the Governor stated in a message. “Just want to let you know we took care of that issue… sorry for that little bureaucratic delay.” He recognized that the situation lacked common sense and officially rescinded the DMV’s request.
On August 28, Wendy posted on Facebook one last time to share her victory with the thousands who had followed her story. “This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!” she joyfully announced. The reversal wasn’t merely a win for a humorous license plate; it was a triumph for common sense in a world of increasingly strict regulations. Wendy’s experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, standing your ground—even over something as small as a seven-letter plate—can lead to a victory for everyone who believes in a bit of freedom and a lot of humor. Wendy and her “PB4WEGO” plates are back on the road, demonstrating that even a “little bureaucratic delay” is no match for a mom on a mission.