PB4WEGO: The Plate That Wouldn't Go Away

Sometimes the best vanity plates are the ones that make you groan and laugh at the same time. And sometimes, those same plates can land you in hot water with the DMV - even years after they've been approved.

The Dad Joke Heard Around New York

Seth Bykofsky, a 69-year-old grandfather from West Hempstead, Long Island, had been proudly displaying his PB4WEGO plates for years. For the uninitiated, that's "Pee Before We Go" - the universal parental reminder before any road trip.

It's the kind of wholesome dad joke that makes kids roll their eyes and other parents nod in solidarity. Nothing offensive, nothing crude - just practical bathroom wisdom condensed into seven characters.

When Routine Reviews Go Wrong

Here's where things get interesting - and where every vanity plate owner should pay attention.

In January 2026, during a routine review, the New York DMV suddenly decided that Bykofsky's plates were "too vulgar" for public roads. After years of driving around with zero complaints, he received notice to destroy his plates.

Yes, you read that right. A plate that had been approved, manufactured, and displayed for years was retroactively deemed inappropriate.

Fighting for What's Right (to Remind People to Pee)

Lesser men might have surrendered their plates and moved on. Not Seth Bykofsky.

The determined grandpa decided to escalate his case all the way to Governor Kathy Hochul. He pointed to precedent - back in 2019, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu personally intervened to let a woman named Wendy Auger keep her identical PB4WEGO plates.

And then, something wonderful happened.

The Governor's Call

Governor Hochul personally called Bykofsky to deliver the good news: she had seen the story, and she was going to get his plates back.

Her reasoning? Pure common sense with a dash of humor:

"I think everybody should be reminded to pee before you go."

And just like that, the PB4WEGO plates were saved.

What This Means for Your Vanity Plate

This story is equal parts hilarious and cautionary. Here's what you should take away:

1. Even Approved Plates Can Be Revoked

The DMV can review and revoke plates at any time. What's acceptable today might be deemed inappropriate tomorrow - or four years from now.

2. Context Matters (But Not Always to Reviewers)

PB4WEGO is objectively harmless. It references a bathroom, sure, but in the most G-rated way possible. Yet it still got flagged. Some reviewers may interpret things differently than you intended.

3. Persistence Pays Off

Bykofsky didn't give up. He knew his plate was innocent, and he fought for it. If you believe your plate was wrongly rejected or revoked, you have options - including appeals and yes, sometimes even reaching out to elected officials.

4. Dad Jokes Are Worth Fighting For

We salute Seth Bykofsky. In an age where everyone takes themselves too seriously, he stood up for his right to remind fellow motorists about good bathroom habits. That's the kind of energy we need more of.

Tips to Avoid Plate Rejections

Want to minimize your chances of DMV drama? Here are some tips:

• Avoid anything that could be misread: Even innocent combinations can look problematic at a glance
• Skip bodily function references: Even though PB4WEGO won in the end, bathroom humor is risky territory
• Test it on friends first: If anyone finds it potentially offensive, the DMV might too
• Have backup options ready: Your first choice might get rejected, so plan ahead
• Keep it clearly positive: Uplifting messages rarely cause problems

The Happy Ending

Seth Bykofsky is back on the road with his beloved PB4WEGO plates, and the story has become a feel-good moment in an otherwise chaotic news cycle.

It's a reminder that sometimes the little things matter - like a grandpa's silly license plate, a governor with a sense of humor, and the universal truth that yes, you really should pee before you go.

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Have a vanity plate story of your own? We'd love to hear it. In the meantime, generate your perfect plate idea with our AI-powered tool - just maybe avoid anything bathroom-related unless you're prepared for an adventure.