Auger strongly believes that the state is attempting to suppress her freedom of speech, a fundamental right that should be respected. She argues that the phrase “pe* before we go” is not an inappropriate expression to have on a vanity plate. Rather, she sees it as a piece of practical advice that parents commonly give to their children.
It’s important to note that Auger did not acquire the plate on a whim. She had tirelessly searched for it for years and eagerly anticipated its long-awaited availability. When the state decided to increase the character limit on its vanity license plates from six to seven, she grabbed the opportunity and proudly chose to display “PB4WEGO” on her New Hampshire license plate.
The state, on the other hand, points out that the changes in license plate rules were made years ago due to a court order from the NH Supreme Court, making the guidelines more specific. While they may have legitimate reasons for their decision, Auger strongly believes that after fifteen years of proudly displaying her custom plate, she shouldn’t be required to replace it.
When it comes to custom license plates, the conversation should focus on respecting individual expression while considering the boundaries set by state regulations. Vanity plates offer car owners a chance to display their personality and add a touch of uniqueness to their vehicles. While it’s crucial to navigate the fine line between personal expression and offensive language, it is equally important to ensure that everyone’s freedom of speech is safeguarded, allowing individuals like Wendy Auger to proudly showcase their individuality for years to come.
