In the aftermath of a year filled with political turmoil, it was clear Ohio residents felt the need to make their opinions heard. Many found an unusual forum for their messages – the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A series of license plates like F47 LGB, FK KAMLA, and EADMUSK, were part of the 971 applications that the Ohio BMV turned down in 2024.
The bureau has a set of rules for vanity license plates, prohibiting anything obscene, explicit or provocative. The range of barred content spans from sexually suggestive material to anything that could incite uncivil responses or promote unlawful behavior. This committee, composed of seven members, reviews these personalized plate applications daily.
Their recommendations are subsequently dispatched to the registrar’s office and various other staff members for the ultimate approval or rejection. However, this seemingly basic process has been the subject of political controversy lately.
A citizen from Ohio found himself at the center of this drama when the BMV declined his chosen plate – F46 LGB, a sarcastic critique against President Joe Biden, implying ‘Let’s Go Brandon,’ a derisive symbol for the 46th president. Accusing the bureau’s regulations as being against constitutional principles, the citizen proceeded to sue the BMV. This case presently remains unresolved.
The variety of license plate suggestions rejected last year communicated an extensive array of sentiments, often fraught with disdain. Entries included FKMYEX, AH SOLE, and G3T BENT. An individual seemed to have considerable resentment towards New Jersey, as evidenced by them attempting to get FU NJ as their license plate inscription.
2024 saw the recurrence of EF CNCER, a well-known slogan signifying contempt for the disease. Furthermore, Ohio wasn’t spared from certain scornful comments either, with NUKE OH and IH8OH1O being among the rejected vanity plates.
Many license plates showcased haste or urgency, exemplified by phrases such as IM FNL8, QUK AZ FK, MOO BTCH. Various references alluding to bodily functions were also quite commonplace, reflecting the uncensored nature of public sentiment.
Understanding some of these inscriptions called for a review on the Urban Dictionary, while others were fairly straightforward in their offensive message. Examples include DOG TURD and HEROIN, keeping the BMV committee on their toes throughout their review process.
Such license plate suggestions shed light on the extent of public dissatisfaction with authorities and varied issues. Despite being unusual and even crude platforms for their grievances, these vanity license plates give an insight into today’s political landscape.
A mirror of public sentiment — however uncouth its reflection may be — these license plates reflect the turbulence of the current political climate. Though the content may depart from traditional channels, they are, nevertheless, a glaring sign of the times.
Humor mixed with derision is often a tool for registering dissent or dissatisfaction. The creative and humorous usage of this form of dissent display a certain artfulness, painting a vivid picture of the prevailing milieu.
The saga of these license plate applications paints an unconventional portrait of public opinion. However complex or controversial, the expressed feelings against the state and public figures remind us of the freedom of expression ingrained in our constitution.
In the final analysis, this bizarre phalanx of rejected license plates offers an unfiltered and revealing snapshot of public sentiment. From sarcastic jabs at political leaders to cruder expressions of dissent, these license plates exhibit the diverse ways in which the general public voices their dissatisfaction and protest.