A mom with four children felt surprised when the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles requested she give up the personalized license plates she owned for 15 years.
The plates serve as a simple reminder for her boys to use the bathroom before entering the car.
However, not understanding Wendy Auger's innocent message, the DMV decided the plates indicated "sexual or excretory acts or functions."
In 2019, Wendy Auger from Rochester, New Hampshire, got orders from the state's DMV to return the personalized license plate she utilized for 15 years.
"It would really be awful if I lose it," said the mom of four, who often gets praise for her funny plates.
New Hampshire woman beats DMV to keep 'PB4WEGO' license ... (Source: www.autoblog.com)
Mentioning the state's slogan, "live free or die," Auger then states, "If they make me remove it from the plate, then I won't be able to live free."
Her plates show "PB4WEGO," which tells her kids that before they get in the car to "pee before we go."
"Which parent hasn't said that to children before leaving home?" the paralegal questions. "I'm not one to protest with signs, but seriously."
"I'm not an activist," she informs CNN. "But this is a harmless thing I've had and it's part of our family identity and who I am and there was no valid reason for them to take it away."
Based on the letter sent by the DMV that asks for the return of the plates, the mix of letters on her plates points to "sexual or excretory acts or functions."
At that time, Auger had 10 days to submit her plate and was offered the choice to pick another custom plate at no additional cost.
After she got the letter, the woman posted the recall notice on Facebook with pictures of her plates.
The post became popular. One internet user remarks on Auger's social media page: "Such a silly situation... Not only is it humorous and sweet, it's a very good reminder!" And another writes, "what's happening?! You've owned that plate FOREVER."
Woman fighting request to turn in 15-year-old vanity plate (Source: www.wptv.com)
A third suggests an answer, "Would that mean Pee or Pay...??? lol"
Answering users who urged her to fight the recall, Auger posts, "Live free or die my butt," she posts, later adding, "I think dmv sux will be my next choice...but I might get stopped by police often lol."
Spreading across social media, her post finally drew attention from New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who reversed the decision. He sent her a message saying: "Hey Wendy, I'ts Chris Sununu, How are you? Hey, just want to let you know we took care of that issue...sorry for that small bureaucratic delay up there...and the resistance...but clearly common sense won."
License plates are supposed to be simple identifiers, but some creative drivers have turned them into comedy gold that's taking the internet by storm. From clever wordplay to visual tricks that'll make you do a double-take, these hilarious vanity plates prove that sometimes the best humor comes in the smallest packages.
The Art of License Plate Comedy
What makes a license plate truly funny? It's all about maximizing impact with minimal characters. With most states limiting vanity plates to 7-8 characters, drivers have become masters of abbreviation, wordplay, and visual tricks. The best ones make you think for a second, then laugh out loud when you finally get it.
The real genius lies in plates that work on multiple levels – ones that look innocent at first glance but reveal their true meaning when you look closer, flip them upside down, or read them in a different context.
Visual Tricks That Break the Internet
51 pcs License Plates Replica, All 50 US States & Washington D.C, Stamped Vanity Prop Number Tags, Covers - Amazon Canada (Source: www.amazon.ca)
Some of the most viral license plates use visual illusions and rotational tricks. When you flip certain letter combinations upside down, they spell completely different words. Numbers like 3, 6, and 9 become letters when rotated, creating secret messages that only reveal themselves when viewed from a different angle.
These optical illusion plates have become social media sensations, with people sharing photos and challenging others to "figure out what it really says." The interactive nature makes them perfect for engagement – everyone wants to be the one who solves the puzzle first.
The Double-Take Classics
Then there are the plates that make you read them twice. Drivers have mastered the art of using numbers as letters (like "2" for "to" or "4" for "for") and strategic spacing to create phrases that initially look like random characters but spell out something hilarious when read aloud.
Some of the most popular categories include:
Self-deprecating humor: Plates that poke fun at the driver's own situation
Pop culture references: Clever nods to movies, TV shows, or internet memes
Occupation-based jokes: Plates that reference the driver's job in witty ways
Relationship status commentary: Brutally honest takes on love and marriage
The Psychology Behind Viral Plates
Why do funny license plates go viral? It's the perfect storm of relatability, cleverness, and shareability. They're like tiny billboards for personality, giving us a glimpse into someone's sense of humor while we're stuck in traffic.
The best plates tap into universal experiences – everyone can relate to work stress, relationship drama, or the struggle of daily life. When someone manages to capture that feeling in 7 characters or less, it resonates with thousands of people who think "I should have thought of that!"
The Approval Process Battle
What many people don't realize is that these plates had to get past government censors. State DMV offices have become inadvertent comedy gatekeepers, trying to decode whether seemingly innocent letter combinations hide inappropriate messages. This has led to an arms race between creative drivers and bureaucratic censors.
The funniest plates often slip through because they're so cleverly disguised. By the time officials realize what they approved, the plates are already on the road and going viral on social media.
The Social Media Effect
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit have turned license plate spotting into a global phenomenon. People now actively hunt for funny plates, creating entire accounts dedicated to sharing their finds. The comment sections become guessing games where users try to decode the more cryptic ones.
This social media amplification has made license plates an unexpected form of viral content. A clever plate spotted in a grocery store parking lot can end up being seen by millions of people worldwide.
The Copycat Phenomenon
As certain plates go viral, they inspire copycats and variations. Once someone sees a brilliant plate idea, they adapt it for their own state or add their own twist. This has created "license plate trends" where similar themes pop up across different states.
The most successful viral plates often spawn entire categories of similar humor, proving that good comedy is not only shareable but also inspirational.
Why We Can't Stop Looking
There's something addictive about trying to decode a clever license plate. It's like a mini crossword puzzle that you solve while driving. The "aha!" moment when you finally get it releases the same satisfaction as solving any good riddle.
This interactive element is what separates truly great license plates from merely cute ones. The best plates make you an active participant in the joke, not just a passive observer.
The Future of License Plate Comedy
As social media continues to evolve, so does license plate humor. Drivers are getting more creative, DMV offices are getting more vigilant, and the internet is getting better at spreading the best examples.
With electric vehicles and changing car culture, license plates might be one of the last remaining ways to express personality on the road. That makes these little rectangles of humor more precious than ever.
The next time you're stuck in traffic, take a closer look at the plates around you. You might just discover the next viral sensation – or at least get a good laugh that makes the commute a little more bearable.
My MIL 'Gifted' Me a Car That Hadn't Run In over 10 Years - After I Restored It,
She Demanded It Back
When my mother-in-law gave me an old vehicle that hadn’t operated in more than ten years, I initially thought it was her way of humiliating me. She didn’t realize, however, that I would rebuild it into a showpiece valued in the thousands. Just as I was about to celebrate my achievement, she demanded its return.
Hi, I’m Elisa, and I have always loved cars.
My father was a semi-professional race driver, and from a young age, I was drawn to garages. He showed me how to tighten bolts and understand engines.
We discovered we had more in common than I thought. Over the following months, we attended car exhibitions, watched vintage auctions, and planned road trips to explore automotive classics. Our bond grew stronger through shared laughs and long drives.
When she opened the door, I smiled warmly and handed her the bouquet.
"These are for you, Christine," I said politely.
"Oh, how sweet," she responded, accepting the flowers without much enthusiasm. Her Southern accent was thick, and her tone didn’t sound warm. "Come on in, y’all."
The living room gave off a scent of lavender and coffee. Henry and I sat on the couch while Christine settled into an armchair, eyeing me like she was trying to figure me out.
A woman talking to her daughter-in-law | Source: Midjourney
This was one of the strangest presents I’ve ever received. My friends, who watched us in the garage, looked at each other in surprise.
Christine gave me one more smirk before walking away. I realized she thought she’d put me in my place with that "gift," but what she didn’t see was that she’d given me a challenge.
Over six months, I dedicated myself fully to that Mustang. I found rare parts, some from collectors across the country. I worked late nights, replacing engines, fixing suspension, and restoring the interior.
It wasn’t just to make it run again. I wanted it to look brand new.
Henry often stopped by while I worked to bring snacks or just keep me company.
"You’re incredible," Henry would say, watching me tune the engine. "My mom has no idea who she’s messing with."
When I finished, the Mustang was a true masterpiece.
Its shiny black surface shimmered under the lights. The engine hummed smoothly. I had turned a forgotten pile of metal into a car worth at least $20,000.
Friends, neighbors, even some clients came by to see it.
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
"You gave me this car as a present, Christine. Remember? On my birthday?"
Her lips curled into a smirk. "A gift, yes. But I never said you could keep it."
My blood heated. I stayed calm.
"Here’s the thing," I said evenly. "I have receipts for all expenses, photos of every step of the restoration, and witnesses who heard you say it was a gift. So, no, I won’t give it back."
I hired a lawyer, and the court process was quick. My lawyer presented all evidence, including friends’ and family members’ testimonies that confirmed it was a gift.
The judge decided that the Mustang belonged to me legally.
Winning was satisfying. What followed made it even better.
I sold the Mustang for $20,000. I used some of the money to buy a new car and to go on a road trip with Henry. We drove across the country in our dream car, visiting car shows and making unforgettable memories.
"Mom, if you can’t respect Elisa, you’re not welcome in our lives," he told her.
Gradually, her interference diminished. I don’t know if she accepts my profession as a valid career, but she’s probably thinking twice before trying to give me another car again.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like another one: I was suspicious when my overbearing mother-in-law insisted we use her special Christmas tree for our first family gathering. Her unusual insistence turned out to have a surprising reason—until we plugged it in and uncovered her true motive.
City Orders Restaurant Owner to Remove Flags Honoring Fallen Heroes—His Response Shocks Everyone
Johnny Brann never imagined that displaying flags to honor fallen heroes would spark a legal battle that would change Michigan law forever. But when the City of Grand Rapids told him to take down the memorial flags adorning his steakhouse, the restaurant owner's defiant response ignited a firestorm that divided his community and ultimately reached the state legislature.
"Those flags are staying on the building, they are not coming down," Brann declared when city officials came knocking. "It's about supporting the military and law enforcement."
What happened next exposes the troubling reality of how bureaucratic red tape can trample on our most sacred traditions—and how one man's refusal to back down became a rallying cry for patriotic Americans everywhere.
The Flags That Started It All
For over five years, Brann's Steakhouse on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids displayed memorial flags honoring fallen police officers and military members. These weren't just decorations—they were a sacred tribute to heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and safety.
Each flag represented a story of courage, a family torn apart by loss, and a community's gratitude for those who serve. To Johnny Brann, removing them wasn't just about following city code—it was about abandoning the very values that make America great.
But in 2018, the Grand Rapids Planning Department received a complaint about "excessive signage" on the restaurant building. City officials determined that the memorial flags violated local zoning ordinances and issued an enforcement letter demanding their removal.
A Community Divided
The city's stance was clear: this wasn't about the content of the flags, but about following established zoning rules. Local officials insisted they were simply enforcing ordinances that apply to all businesses equally.
But for Brann and thousands of supporters, this felt like something much darker—a bureaucratic assault on patriotic expression and the honoring of fallen heroes.
"It has nothing to do with the content," city leaders maintained, claiming they were bound by existing zoning laws regardless of the flags' meaning.
Tell that to the families of fallen officers and soldiers who saw these displays as one of the few public acknowledgments of their loved ones' sacrifice.
The Battle Lines Are Drawn
As news of the controversy spread, supporters rallied around Brann's Steakhouse. Patriots, veterans, and law enforcement officers gathered to show their support for the restaurant owner's stand.
The story struck a nerve across America, tapping into deeper frustrations about government overreach and the erosion of patriotic traditions. Social media exploded with support for Brann, with thousands sharing his story and condemning the city's actions.
"Well done the owner," wrote one supporter, echoing the sentiments of countless Americans who saw this as a crucial test of our values.
But the city wouldn't budge. Despite the mounting pressure and public outcry, officials maintained their position that the flags had to go.
One Man's Stand Changes Everything
Johnny Brann could have quietly complied. He could have taken down the flags and avoided the legal battle, the media attention, and the controversy.
Instead, he chose to fight—not just for his restaurant, but for every American who believes that honoring our heroes should never be subject to bureaucratic whims.
The battle wasn't just about flags anymore. It became a symbol of the clash between individual conscience and government authority, between honoring tradition and following rules, between doing what's right and doing what's legal.
Victory Through Persistence
Brann's determination paid off in ways he never could have imagined. The controversy caught the attention of Michigan state legislators, who recognized that something fundamental was at stake.
In December 2018, the Michigan legislature passed a new law specifically protecting displays that honor fallen military members and police officers. Governor Rick Snyder signed the legislation on December 27, making it legal for businesses to display such memorials regardless of local zoning ordinances.
"I'm happy to say that it's over," Brann said after the law's passage. "We're hoping that now that it's legal in the state of Michigan, other people will do the same thing."
The new law didn't just protect Brann's flags—it created a precedent that would safeguard similar displays across the entire state.
The Bigger Picture
This story reveals something troubling about the state of our society. When honoring fallen heroes becomes a legal battle, when remembering sacrifice becomes a zoning violation, we've lost sight of what truly matters.
Brann's fight wasn't just about his restaurant—it was about preserving the right to publicly honor those who gave everything for our freedom. It was about rejecting the idea that bureaucratic convenience should override moral obligation.
The fact that it took a change in state law to protect something as fundamental as honoring fallen heroes exposes how far we've drifted from our core values.
A Legacy of Courage
Today, the flags still fly at Brann's Steakhouse, protected by the very law that their display helped create. But their significance extends far beyond a single restaurant.
They stand as a reminder that sometimes doing what's right requires standing up to authority. They prove that one person's conviction can change the law and protect the rights of countless others.
Johnny Brann's refusal to remove those flags sent a powerful message: Some things are too important to compromise on, and honoring our fallen heroes is one of them.
In an era when patriotic expression is increasingly under attack, Brann's story offers hope. It shows that Americans are still willing to fight for what they believe in, even when the odds seem impossible.
The flags may have started as a simple tribute, but they became something much more powerful—a symbol of resistance against those who would diminish our respect for sacrifice and service.
Sometimes, the most important battles are fought not on foreign soil, but in our own communities, by ordinary people who refuse to back down from doing what's right.
