Full Breakdown
Long Island Grandfather Appeals DMV's Revocation of Humorous License Plate
2/24/2026, 10:57:47 PM
Background of the Controversy
Seth Bykofsky, a 69-year-old resident of West Hempstead, Long Island, has found himself at the center of a dispute with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over his vanity license plate reading "PB4WEGO." The plate, which he has displayed for over five years, is a playful nod to a common parental phrase urging children to use the bathroom before embarking on a journey. Bykofsky claims the plate is not offensive and has garnered smiles from drivers across various states.
Core Event: DMV's Decision
In January 2026, Bykofsky received a letter from the DMV stating that his license plate was "no longer in compliance" due to their "rigorous screening process." This decision has left him feeling frustrated and confused, as he believes the plate is merely a harmless dad joke. "No one I have met anywhere who’s seen the plate or talked about the plate has found it offensive in the least bit," he stated, emphasizing the lighthearted nature of the phrase.
Bykofsky's Appeal for Relief
In response to the DMV's decision, Bykofsky is appealing directly to New York Governor Kathy Hochul for intervention. He cites a similar case in New Hampshire where former Governor Chris Sununu allowed a woman to keep her vanity plate with the same message. Bykofsky argues that the DMV's actions represent an overreach and a potential infringement on free speech. "As silly as it is... it’s also a way of stifling free speech," he remarked, expressing concern over what might come next in terms of regulatory actions.
Public Support and Personal Sentiment
Bykofsky's family has been supportive of his plate, with his grandchildren finding it particularly amusing. He recalls their laughter and how it has become a cherished part of their family outings. "My grandkids would laugh... I have to say to them, ‘Don’t laugh so hard because you’ll have to pee!’" he shared. Despite the DMV's ruling, Bykofsky remains hopeful for a favorable outcome and has even devised a backup plan: if he cannot reclaim his plate, he intends to frame it and display it in his bathroom.
Criticism of the DMV's Decision
Critics of the DMV's decision, including Bykofsky himself, argue that the ruling is an unnecessary administrative overreach. Bykofsky's case highlights broader concerns regarding personal expression and the limits of government regulation. He believes that the humor in his plate serves a greater purpose, especially in a time when people could use a good laugh.
What's Next
As Bykofsky awaits a response from Governor Hochul, he continues to advocate for his right to display the plate. His case may set a precedent for similar disputes in the future, particularly regarding the balance between regulatory authority and personal freedoms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve driven it through, conservatively, 15 states — red states, blue states, everyone smiles,” — Seth Bykofsky, License Plate Owner
- “This is all funny, and in the scheme of things that are going on in the country, in the world, it’s meaningless … But on a personal level, I think we have some rights that truly should not be abridged,” — Seth Bykofsky, License Plate Owner
- “As silly as it is, on the one hand, and it’s definitely administrative overreach to me, it’s also a way of stifling free speech.” — Seth Bykofsky, License Plate Owner
