For more than a decade, a personalized plate reading “PB4WEGO” brought a smile to drivers across New Hampshire. Its meaning—shorthand for the familiar parental reminder, “pee before we go”—felt relatable to anyone who has managed a family road trip. For its owner, Wendy Auger, the plate was more than a novelty. It was a lighthearted reflection of everyday life, a small detail that turned routine errands into moments of shared humor on the highway.
After fifteen years of use, however, the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles notified her that the plate no longer met updated state guidelines. The message came as an unexpected reversal, especially since the wording had previously been approved and displayed without issue for years. Wendy publicly shared her confusion, explaining that the phrase was intended as playful parenting shorthand rather than anything provocative. The change prompted questions about how standards evolve and how older approvals are reassessed under new criteria.
The situation quickly broadened into a wider discussion. Supporters emphasized that the phrase was commonly understood as harmless family humor. Others highlighted the administrative challenge state agencies face when evaluating thousands of personalized plate requests while applying policies consistently. As language and cultural interpretations shift over time, agencies periodically revise guidelines to align with current standards—sometimes resulting in reassessments that surprise long-time drivers.
Ultimately, decisions about personalized plates rest with state officials, but stories like this underscore a larger theme: small expressions of individuality can carry personal meaning. Vanity plates often reflect humor, milestones, hobbies, or family traditions. Wendy’s experience serves as a reminder that public-facing messages—even brief combinations of letters and numbers—exist within changing regulatory frameworks. It also illustrates how a simple phrase can spark thoughtful dialogue about personal expression, community standards, and the evolving nature of interpretation.