The irony of the situation was lost on no one, especially given New Hampshire’s iconic state motto: “Live Free or Die.” Wendy, a paralegal who described herself as far from a political activist, felt the sting of the irony immediately. “If I have to take it off the plate, then I’m not going to be able to live free,” she noted. She argued that the phrase was a universal part of the childhood experience—a gentle, relatable reminder used by mothers and fathers everywhere to avoid unnecessary rest stops. To her, the DMV’s sudden crackdown felt like a massive overreach of power over a non-offensive family joke.
Facing a ten-day deadline to turn in the plates, Wendy refused to let the issue go quietly. she took to social media, sharing the recall letter and photos of her car. The internet’s response was swift and overwhelming. The post went viral, sparking a wave of support from thousands of people who found the state’s decision absurd. Supporters called the situation “ridiculous” and “cute,” with many pointing out that the plate was a helpful reminder for anyone with a small bladder.
As the story gained national traction, appearing on major news networks like CNN, it eventually reached the highest office in the state. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu caught wind of the “potty humor” controversy and decided that common sense needed to prevail over red tape. In a personal move that bypassed the DMV’s rigid ruling, the Governor contacted Wendy directly.
