A New Hampshire woman, Wendy Auger, faced a challenge regarding her vanity license plate, which she had used for 15 years. The plate was intended to reflect a common conversation she had with her four children before family car rides.
The state requested Auger to surrender the plate, citing that it included a phrase related to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.” This prompted a personal objection from Auger, who stated that the plate was an expression of her family’s identity.
State Regulations on Vanity Plates
According to a letter received by Auger on August 16, she was given 10 days to comply with the request. The letter outlined her options: she could choose a different vanity plate at no additional cost or have a regular plate assigned to her. If she opted for the regular plate, a portion of her previous vanity plate fee would be refunded.
Auger emphasized that she did not view herself as a political activist but felt the removal of the plate was unjustified. She expressed her desire to maintain a piece of her family’s identity through the plate.
Resolution of the Situation
In New Hampshire, the cost of obtaining a vanity license plate includes local and state registration fees, a $40 vanity plate fee, and a one-time $8 fee, according to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
