New Hampshire Bartender Challenges Decision Over Personalized License Plate

A Long-Displayed Plate Sparks Dispute

Wendy Auger, a bartender from the Gonic neighborhood of Rochester, New Hampshire, is pushing back after state officials moved to reject her longtime personalized license plate.

Auger has displayed the plate for nearly 15 years without incident. She says she was surprised and frustrated to learn that it was now being questioned.

According to Auger, the phrase on the plate reflects a familiar and lighthearted expression often used by parents before leaving home.

A Common Parental Phrase

Auger maintains that the wording represents harmless “free speech.” She explains that it echoes the well-known parental reminder, “Pee before we go,” commonly directed at children prior to heading out.

“Who hasn’t heard a parent say that to kids before heading out?” Auger said.

She emphasized that she never believed the phrase could be interpreted as inappropriate or offensive.

For her, the plate has always carried a playful and relatable meaning rather than anything controversial.

Supporters Rally Behind Her

As news of the dispute spread, supporters quickly voiced their backing.

Many pointed to the state’s well-known motto, “Live Free or Die,” arguing that it reflects a spirit of personal liberty that should extend to situations like this.

Those who agree with Auger say the phrase is widely recognized and rooted in everyday family life.

They argue that a common reminder to children should not be considered objectionable.

Humor in the Face of Frustration

Despite her frustration, Auger has kept her sense of humor throughout the situation.

She joked that removing the plate “would stink,” referencing the playful nature of the phrase itself.

Her comments highlight that she views the matter as unnecessarily serious for what she considers a harmless expression.

Auger noted that she had wanted the specific plate for a long time and took the opportunity to secure it when the state expanded the character limit for license plates from six to seven letters.

That change allowed her to display the full phrase exactly as she intended.

State Officials Cite Updated Guidelines

In response to the controversy, state officials issued a statement via email explaining that vanity plate regulations were tightened years ago.

The revisions followed an order from the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which required the state to make its guidelines more specific.

Officials did not provide additional details about Auger’s case, citing privacy laws that limit public discussion of individual matters.

They declined to comment further on her specific situation.

Awaiting a Final Decision

For now, Auger remains in a holding pattern as she waits for a final determination regarding her personalized plate.

She continues to argue that mentioning “pee” should not be classified as offensive language.

Her stance remains consistent: the phrase is familiar, widely used, and rooted in everyday parenting rather than inappropriate intent.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of how states interpret and enforce guidelines for personalized license plates.

As Auger awaits the outcome, she stands by her belief that her plate reflects humor and free expression rather than anything deserving removal.

The final decision will determine whether she can continue displaying the phrase she has used for nearly a decade and a half without previous objection.