The “Live Free or Die” state of New Hampshire is known for its rugged individualism, a spirit captured by its iconic motto and its history of fiercely protecting personal expression. But in the late summer of 2019, that motto was put to the ultimate test over a harmless, seven-character vanity plate and a mother’s sense of humor. What followed was a battle of “common sense versus bureaucracy” that captured the attention of the nation, proving that sometimes, a little bit of sass is exactly what is needed to protect our liberties.
At the center of this whirlwind was Wendy Auger, a paralegal and mother of four from Rochester, New Hampshire. For fifteen years, Wendy had driven her vehicle with a custom license plate that wasn’t just a random string of letters—it was a family mantra, a piece of her identity, and a functional parenting tool rolled into one.
The plate read: PB4WEGO.
The Origin of a Family Legend
To any parent who has ever loaded a group of toddlers into a minivan for a long road trip, the translation is instantaneous and necessary. It stands for: “Pee Before We Go.” It is the universal command of the American household. It is the final question asked before the front door is locked; the ultimate preventative measure against the inevitable “I have to go” five minutes into a two-hour drive. For Wendy, the plate was a gentle, humorous nod to the chaotic reality of raising four sons.
“Who hasn’t had a mom, a dad, or a parental figure say that to them before leaving the house?” Wendy asked during the height of the controversy. To her, the plate was the digital-age equivalent of a cross-stitch sampler—a relatable, funny reminder of the “glamorous” side of parenthood. For fifteen years, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) agreed, or at least, they didn’t disagree.
For a decade and a half, Wendy drove through the streets of Rochester, parked at grocery stores, and sat in school pickup lines, receiving nothing but smiles and “thumbs up” from fellow parents who recognized the struggle. That was, until a letter arrived in her mailbox that threatened to strip the “Free” right out of her state’s motto.
The Bureaucratic “Stink”
In August 2019, the New Hampshire DMV sent Wendy a formal recall notice. The letter informed her that she had exactly ten days to surrender her “PB4WEGO” plates. The reasoning provided by the state was as rigid as it was ridiculous. According to the administrative rules governing vanity plates, the combination was deemed to refer to “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
The irony was not lost on Wendy. While the state’s motto was literally stamped onto the metal of the plate, the state’s administration was telling her that her harmless parenting joke was too “obscene” for the public road.
“It would just stink if I didn’t have it anymore,” Wendy told local news outlets, her pun intended. She wasn’t just losing a piece of metal; she was losing a piece of her family’s history. “If I have to take it off the plate, then I’m not going to be able to ‘Live Free.'”
The DMV offered her a consolation prize: she could choose another customized plate at no extra cost. But for Wendy, it wasn’t about the money or the convenience. It was about the principle of the matter. She felt the state was overstepping, applying a clinical, cold definition to a phrase that was rooted in the innocent, everyday reality of child-rearing.
A Viral Rebellion
Wendy wasn’t a political activist. As a paralegal, she understood the law, but she wasn’t the type to spend her weekends carrying picket signs. However, the absurdity of the recall pushed her to take a stand in the way most modern battles begin: on social media.
She posted a photo of the recall letter alongside her beloved plates on Facebook. The response was immediate and overwhelming. The post didn’t just stay in Rochester; it traveled across the state and then across the country.
The “netizens” of the world were united in their support for the “Sassy Momma.” The comments sections were a goldmine of support and hilarity:
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The Sympathizer: “Such a ridiculous situation… Not only is it funny and cute, it’s a really good reminder for the rest of us!”
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The Historian: “What is going on at the DMV? You’ve had that plate FOREVER. It’s practically a landmark at this point.”
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The Joker: “Does it stand for ‘Pee’ or ‘Pay’…? Maybe the DMV is just confused about their own taxes!”
Wendy herself leaned into the humor, joking with her supporters that if she were forced to give up the plate, her next one might be “DMV SUX,” though she admitted that might lead to being pulled over “quite often.”
Underneath the jokes, however, was a serious conversation about the limits of government reach into personal expression. If a parent can’t make a joke about a basic biological necessity in the context of a family trip, where does the censorship end?
Common Sense Prevails: The Governor Steps In
As the story gained momentum, eventually landing on national networks like CNN, it reached the highest office in New Hampshire. Governor Chris Sununu, known for his pragmatic approach to governance, heard about the “PB4WEGO” crisis and decided that enough was enough.
In a move that bypassed the bureaucratic red tape, the Governor personally looked into the matter. He didn’t just send a formal memo; he went the extra mile and left Wendy a personal voicemail.
“Hey Wendy, it’s Chris Sununu. How are you? Hey, just want to let you know we took care of that issue… sorry for that little bureaucratic hold-up up there and the pushback, but obviously, common sense prevailed.”
It was the ultimate “mic drop” moment for the state’s executive branch. The Governor recognized what the DMV’s automated systems and rigid rulebooks couldn’t: that a mother’s joke about her kids needing the bathroom is about as far from “offensive” as one can get.
On August 28, 2019, Wendy took to Facebook one last time to announce her hard-fought victory. The post was simple, triumphant, and perfectly in character: “This Sassy Momma Has Her Plates!!!”
The Legacy of PB4WEGO
The victory of the “PB4WEGO” plate became a symbol for New Hampshire residents. It served as a reminder that the “Live Free or Die” motto isn’t just a catchy phrase for tourism brochures—it’s a living principle that requires constant defense against the creeping “stink” of unnecessary bureaucracy.
Wendy’s story also highlighted the power of the “United Front” of parents. In a world often divided by politics and ideology, the struggle of getting children to the bathroom before a long drive is one of the few things that everyone—regardless of their background—can agree on.
Why Common Sense Matters in Governance
The recall of the PB4WEGO plate is a classic example of what happens when rules are applied without context.
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Context is Everything: To a computer or a rigid auditor, the plate refers to an “excretory function.” To a human being, it refers to a parenting milestone.
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The 15-Year Rule: If something hasn’t caused a single complaint or issue in a decade and a half, it’s a strong sign that the “public offense” being cited is non-existent.
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The Power of Voice: Wendy didn’t need a law firm; she needed her community. By speaking up, she forced the state to look at the human side of the regulation.
Conclusion: A Lesson for Us All
Today, Wendy Auger continues to drive the streets of New Hampshire, her “PB4WEGO” plate still firmly attached to her vehicle. It remains a hilarious, gentle reminder to everyone who sees it to take care of business before hitting the road.
Her story is a victory for “Common Sense,” for “Sassy Mommas” everywhere, and for the idea that a little bit of humor is a vital part of a free society. It reminds us that while governments have a role in maintaining order, they must never lose their ability to laugh—or their ability to recognize that sometimes, a license plate is just a license plate.
So, the next time you find yourself frustrated by a “bureaucratic hold-up,” remember Wendy. Remember that common sense can prevail if you’re willing to make a little noise. And most importantly, the next time you’re about to head out on a long trip, remember her golden rule.
What about you?
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What is the funniest or most creative vanity plate you’ve ever seen on the road?
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Do you think the DMV should have more or less power to regulate what people put on their plates?
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Have you ever had a “run-in” with a rule that seemed to lack common sense?
Share this story with your friends and fellow parents! Let’s keep the conversation going and remind the world that sometimes, the best way to “Live Free” is to have a good laugh at the everyday realities of life.
After all, we’ve all got to go eventually—might as well make sure it’s before we hit the highway!