Sometimes, what you want isn’t what you get, especially with personalized license plates. In Ohio, a man named Jeffrey Wonser wanted a specific plate, but the state said no. They thought his plate, “F46 LGB,” could mean something negative about President Joe Biden and use a term that some conservatives say to criticize him.
This isn’t the first time Wonser tried to get this plate. The state denied it multiple times in 2022. Wonser says the plate doesn’t mean anything bad, but he won’t explain why he chose it. His lawyer agrees and says the state is being unfair, citing a past lawsuit.
Wonser is now suing the state, saying they’re violating his right to free speech. He says not getting the plate caused him emotional and financial problems, although it’s hard to see how not having a specific plate could do that.
Wonser and his lawyer pointed out other plates the state approved with similar meanings. But the state rejects plates it thinks are rude or offensive. They have a team that checks requests and looks online to understand what they mean.
So, while Wonser says his rights are being violated, it might not be that simple. The state has a say in what goes on its license plates. But only time will tell what happens with his lawsuit.
