From Newsweek:
Nevada License Plate Revoked for Defaming CaliforniansQuoteThe Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nevada has slammed the brakes on a license plate it believes has "defamed" everyone from California.
The license plate reading GOBK2CA–thought to mean "go back to California"–was revoked by Nevada's DMV in May, but the owner plans to appeal the decision this week, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2rj)
The message should be the state motto of Nevada, and about 10 other states.
Don't vote for what you fled.
I guess TRMPSUX was already taken.
Quote from: SP Cook on July 11, 2023, 01:45:33 PM
The message should be the state motto of Nevada, and about 10 other states.
Don't vote for what you fled.
I thought it was a myth that the people fleeing were bringing their politics with them?
I assume there's no law prohibiting a bumper sticker that reads GOBK2CA or TRMPSUX or FCKBLM (all fully spelled out) or whatever, so this skirmish seems like a waste of resources.
Here's an idea: Let's eliminate custom license plate numbers; everyone gets the six- or seven-character sequence pulled from the pile at random, like the old days. Sure, the state will lose the money from the additional fees, but isn't that a small price to pay to be sure nobody is offended?
ETA: I concede the differentiation between bumper stickers and government-issued plates.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 02:58:19 PM
Here's an idea: Let's eliminate custom license plate numbers; everyone gets the six- or seven-character sequence pulled from the pile at random, like the old days. Sure, the state will lose the money from the additional fees, but isn't that a small price to pay to be sure nobody is offended?
A 5 5 [Florida orange] R G Y.
What makes you think random letters and numbers can't contain offensive words?
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 02:58:19 PM
I assume there's no law prohibiting a bumper sticker that reads GOBK2CA or TRMPSUX or FCKBLM (all fully spelled out) or whatever, so this skirmish seems like a waste of resources.
Bumper stickers are protected speech. License plate ownership is much more vague and thus those are different; it's why offensive ones can be denied in the first place, like vegans applying for "ILVTOFU" (I love tofu) and being rejected.
Minnesota had a controversy some years ago with a plate that said "FMUSLMS", which led to a system-wide review and revocation of several dozen vanity plates.
Quote from: 1 on July 11, 2023, 02:59:01 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 02:58:19 PM
Here's an idea: Let's eliminate custom license plate numbers; everyone gets the six- or seven-character sequence pulled from the pile at random, like the old days. Sure, the state will lose the money from the additional fees, but isn't that a small price to pay to be sure nobody is offended?
A 5 5 [Florida orange] R G Y.
What makes you think random letters and numbers can't contain offensive words?
Of course they can. But when they're not culled out as a result of someone specifically requesting that combination, it avoids the skirmish. Although I intended that remark as sort of tongue-in-cheek.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 03:27:48 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 11, 2023, 02:59:01 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 02:58:19 PM
Here's an idea: Let's eliminate custom license plate numbers; everyone gets the six- or seven-character sequence pulled from the pile at random, like the old days. Sure, the state will lose the money from the additional fees, but isn't that a small price to pay to be sure nobody is offended?
A 5 5 [Florida orange] R G Y.
What makes you think random letters and numbers can't contain offensive words?
Of course they can. But when they're not culled out as a result of someone specifically requesting that combination, it avoids the skirmish. Although I intended that remark as sort of tongue-in-cheek.
Once you ban custom plates, you are going to see people hunting for "good" combinations, and open up possibility for corruption.
Besides this way media is busy with cheap scandals instead of some investigative work. keeps things nice and quiet beneath the surface.
Another revoked plate:
(https://images.complex.com/complex/image/upload/c_limit,w_680/fl_lossy,pg_1,q_auto/eahqdmojrdcgg7z6cyfn.jpg)
Quote from: 1 on July 11, 2023, 02:59:01 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2023, 02:58:19 PM
Here's an idea: Let's eliminate custom license plate numbers; everyone gets the six- or seven-character sequence pulled from the pile at random, like the old days. Sure, the state will lose the money from the additional fees, but isn't that a small price to pay to be sure nobody is offended?
A 5 5 [Florida orange] R G Y.
What makes you think random letters and numbers can't contain offensive words?
I think I've mentioned this here before, a few years back Massachusetts made "2WAT XX" plates, and I've seen at least 3. Sadly all driven by women who really should have read their plates out loud and asked for a new one.
(https://i.imgur.com/VS3L3gw.jpg)
There was also this license plate that the New Hampshire DMV tried to revoke and Governor Sununu ended up basically telling the person that she was allowed to keep it.
Quote from: kalvado on July 11, 2023, 03:41:17 PM
Once you ban custom plates, you are going to see people hunting for "good" combinations, and open up possibility for corruption.
Isn't that just called "Delaware"?
There they go with that PC bullshit again!
Is nothing safe anymore?
This is literally Nineteen Eighty-Four.
–woman who never read the Nineteen Eighty-Four novel or watched the Nineteen Eighty-Four movie
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on July 11, 2023, 06:21:11 PM
"PB4WEGO" license plate
That's pretty funny, because this summer watching Twins games I've had to repeatedly watch this Cenex gas station ad with two guys in the store staring out at a license plate that says "PB4WEGO" trying to figure out the meaning.
Quote from: Henry on July 11, 2023, 11:55:07 PM
There they go with that PC bullshit again!
Is nothing safe anymore?
Macs are usually too expensive for state government.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 12, 2023, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 11, 2023, 02:59:01 PM
A 5 5 [Florida orange] R G Y.
ASS ORGY? :-D
Yes. This is an infamous random plate that actually got issued.
I remember seeing a University of Virginia vanity plate that utilized the placement of the university's "V" swashbuckling logo in a clever way. The plate itself said "AGINA" which obviously slipped past the censors.
Never forget this classic:
(https://www.nydailynews.com/resizer/lsbdb27IvS-s_AgxZ8rMGwIglS4=/1200x630/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/7WC7OAIFRQAYLHUOHU4KKHETTI.jpg)
A few years ago, I was behind a car with Virginia plate "MRCAFYA." I was surprised the DMV allowed that one.
I remember a Dr. Gridlock column in the Washington Post some years back with a debate over whether it was OK for a license plate to say something "SUX" (e.g., "VPISUX" or "UVASUX" or the like). Younger people treat that word as synonymous with "stinks." Many older people consider it more offensive. I seem to recall an older lady was complaining about those plates being allowed. I don't remember what the DMV's conclusion was, though I suspect they allowed them under a rule more or less similar to the "eggshell plaintiff" principle in tort law.
Regarding "EAT THE" on a kids-first plate, I recall news reports saying Virginia revoked that plate because they said it connoted oral sex. They got very heavy ridicule over that one. I don't know whether they reversed their decision.
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
Regarding "EAT THE" on a kids-first plate, I recall news reports saying Virginia revoked that plate because they said it connoted oral sex. They got very heavy ridicule over that one. I don't know whether they reversed their decision.
The license plate is problematic even if taken literally, with "eat" having the definition that the Donner Party did or what was propsed in the original "A Modest Proposal".
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
A few years ago, I was behind a car with Virginia plate "MRCAFYA." I was surprised the DMV allowed that one.
I'm not getting it.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 13, 2023, 12:41:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
A few years ago, I was behind a car with Virginia plate "MRCAFYA." I was surprised the DMV allowed that one.
I'm not getting it.
"America! Fuck Yeah!"
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
A few years ago, I was behind a car with Virginia plate "MRCAFYA." I was surprised the DMV allowed that one.
I remember a Dr. Gridlock column in the Washington Post some years back with a debate over whether it was OK for a license plate to say something "SUX" (e.g., "VPISUX" or "UVASUX" or the like). Younger people treat that word as synonymous with "stinks." Many older people consider it more offensive. I seem to recall an older lady was complaining about those plates being allowed. I don't remember what the DMV's conclusion was, though I suspect they allowed them under a rule more or less similar to the "eggshell plaintiff" principle in tort law.
Regarding "EAT THE" on a kids-first plate, I recall news reports saying Virginia revoked that plate because they said it connoted oral sex. They got very heavy ridicule over that one. I don't know whether they reversed their decision.
I thought the EATTHE was for cannibalism.
Quote from: Big John on July 13, 2023, 02:54:57 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
A few years ago, I was behind a car with Virginia plate "MRCAFYA." I was surprised the DMV allowed that one.
I remember a Dr. Gridlock column in the Washington Post some years back with a debate over whether it was OK for a license plate to say something "SUX" (e.g., "VPISUX" or "UVASUX" or the like). Younger people treat that word as synonymous with "stinks." Many older people consider it more offensive. I seem to recall an older lady was complaining about those plates being allowed. I don't remember what the DMV's conclusion was, though I suspect they allowed them under a rule more or less similar to the "eggshell plaintiff" principle in tort law.
Regarding "EAT THE" on a kids-first plate, I recall news reports saying Virginia revoked that plate because they said it connoted oral sex. They got very heavy ridicule over that one. I don't know whether they reversed their decision.
I thought the EATTHE was for cannibalism.
Apparently the DMV cited both:
QuoteThey sent Yeaman a letter demanding the plates back because 'some people initially view the plate, 'the vision of cannibalism of children conjures a truly horrible image. Others may view the message as being "vulgar in nature,' associated "eat the kids" with oral sex.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039662/Virginia-driver-wants-EAT-THE-KIDS-FIRST.html
Quote from: ZLoth on July 11, 2023, 01:27:01 PM
From Newsweek:
Nevada License Plate Revoked for Defaming CaliforniansQuoteThe Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nevada has slammed the brakes on a license plate it believes has "defamed" everyone from California.
The license plate reading GOBK2CA–thought to mean "go back to California"–was revoked by Nevada's DMV in May, but the owner plans to appeal the decision this week, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2rj)
LOL! Of all things, I came across a vehicle with the following Illinois plates one day: "NO FIB". It was sporting a Wisconsin Badger sticker as well.
Quote from: Brandon on July 14, 2023, 06:22:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 11, 2023, 01:27:01 PM
From Newsweek:
Nevada License Plate Revoked for Defaming CaliforniansQuoteThe Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nevada has slammed the brakes on a license plate it believes has "defamed" everyone from California.
The license plate reading GOBK2CA–thought to mean "go back to California"–was revoked by Nevada's DMV in May, but the owner plans to appeal the decision this week, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2rj)
LOL! Of all things, I came across a vehicle with the following Illinois plates one day: "NO FIB". It was sporting a Wisconsin Badger sticker as well.
A while back, it was noted that Wisconsin doesn't allow FIB on their plates.
Quote from: Big John on July 14, 2023, 07:13:14 AM
Quote from: Brandon on July 14, 2023, 06:22:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 11, 2023, 01:27:01 PM
From Newsweek:
Nevada License Plate Revoked for Defaming CaliforniansQuoteThe Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nevada has slammed the brakes on a license plate it believes has "defamed" everyone from California.
The license plate reading GOBK2CA–thought to mean "go back to California"–was revoked by Nevada's DMV in May, but the owner plans to appeal the decision this week, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2rj)
LOL! Of all things, I came across a vehicle with the following Illinois plates one day: "NO FIB". It was sporting a Wisconsin Badger sticker as well.
A while back, it was noted that Wisconsin doesn't allow FIB on their plates.
Fib means something besides slang for lie?
Quote from: kkt on July 14, 2023, 12:12:50 PM
Fib means something besides slang for lie?
Fucking Illinois Bastard (usually referring to bad drivers)
Quote from: 1 on July 14, 2023, 12:14:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 14, 2023, 12:12:50 PM
Fib means something besides slang for lie?
Fucking Illinois Bastard (usually referring to bad drivers)
Ah. But you don't have to be from Illinois to be a FB on the road. You can be a FB anywhere :)
Quote from: kkt on July 14, 2023, 07:43:03 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 14, 2023, 12:14:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 14, 2023, 12:12:50 PM
Fib means something besides slang for lie?
Fucking Illinois Bastard (usually referring to bad drivers)
Ah. But you don't have to be from Illinois to be a FB on the road. You can be a FB anywhere :)
You know, the I could also stand for "Idaho", "Indiana" or "Iowa".
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 13, 2023, 10:48:49 AMI remember a Dr. Gridlock column in the Washington Post some years back with a debate over whether it was OK for a license plate to say something "SUX" (e.g., "VPISUX" or "UVASUX" or the like). Younger people treat that word as synonymous with "stinks." Many older people consider it more offensive. I seem to recall an older lady was complaining about those plates being allowed. I don't remember what the DMV's conclusion was, though I suspect they allowed them under a rule more or less similar to the "eggshell plaintiff" principle in tort law.
I could've sworn I once saw a GA plate with the phrase "FLA SUX"(as in "Florida Sucks") or something to that effect. And that would make perfect sense because those two Southern states despise each other to no end.
Kramer from Seinfeld had ASSMAN for his plates. I'm pretty sure NY doesn't allow that
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nzxJ2vHYFk
Quote from: steviep24 on July 17, 2023, 09:55:46 AM
Kramer from Seinfeld had ASSMAN for his plates. I'm pretty sure NY doesn't allow that
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nzxJ2vHYFk
I believe anything can slip through. I saw something like "ifkmilfs" on the road once (NY). There were a few articles describing approval process, but looks like there are no dedicated and properly spoiled clerks doing checks. Urban dictionary lookup isn't watertight screening.
The Reno Gazette Journal has a fairly long list (https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2023/07/18/nevada-dmv-has-rejected-641-license-plates-in-the-past-year-heres-why/70399061007/) of other plates that Nevada's DMV License Committee has rejected recently, with some explanations of the reasoning.
Among the really obvious ones:
Quote
2HRNY: The applicant said it meant "to honor New York." The DMV didn't buy it.
5H1TA55: The applicant said it was for the five members in his family, and one Trans Am race car with No. 55. The committee's decision: Nah.
My brother just sent this to me.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230724/cbe669e4ffc22a1355f91103e8fd1ae1.jpeg)
Revoke the plate and fine the owner for having expired registration.
Quote from: 1 on July 24, 2023, 03:48:36 PM
Revoke the plate and fine the owner for having expired registration.
Off with their head while we're at it...
Sometimes on FB I'll see a pic of a box Chevy with Maryland plates that says "OMW2FYB". It's been popping up once or twice a year for the past few years now. I wonder if that car and plate is still around?
Btw, for anyone who doesn't know, it means "On My Way To Fuck Your Bitch".
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 24, 2023, 03:47:44 PM
My brother just sent this to me.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230724/cbe669e4ffc22a1355f91103e8fd1ae1.jpeg)
"Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, uh...horizontal axis..."
Quote from: plain on July 24, 2023, 06:54:32 PM
Btw, for anyone who doesn't know, it means "On My Way To Fuck Your Bitch".
I got most of the way there before the explanation, but I thought B was "brother". :P
Quote from: ZLoth on July 11, 2023, 01:27:01 PM
From Newsweek:
Nevada License Plate Revoked for Defaming CaliforniansQuoteThe Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nevada has slammed the brakes on a license plate it believes has "defamed" everyone from California.
The license plate reading GOBK2CA–thought to mean "go back to California"–was revoked by Nevada's DMV in May, but the owner plans to appeal the decision this week, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2rj)
A judge overturned the ruling meaning the plate can remain.
Not sure if this is still valid or not:
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/18/415462597/high-court-rules-specialty-license-plates-constitute-government-speech