Motorists in Maine are fighting to keep their custom license plates following a state crackdown on vehicle owners with plates deemed inappropriate.
For years, the Pine Tree State has allowed its residents to customize their license plates for an additional fee, but the creativity and personality imbued in the creations have caused state officials to establish some restraints.
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At least 274 plates have been recalled for their inappropriate nature in 2023, and some Mainers are resisting, according to a report.
One resident at the front of the battle is a vegan with a license plate reading "LUVTOFU."
State officials argue that the plate could be seen as a reference to sexual acts rather than a protest against meat, the report noted.
Peter Starostecki, the owner of the plate, categorically disagrees.
"It's my protest against eating meat and animal products," Starostecki said.
Another pair of motorists voiced their displeasure after the state demanded they give up matching plate referencing a term for a female dog, the report noted.
"People are so sensitive nowadays," Heather Libby said after her appeal was rejected. "I just think it's foolish."
In 2015, the state effectually terminated its "vanity" review process for license plates, and motorists were soon sporting profane and vulgar plates across Maine's roads, according to the report.
Years later, the state legislature ordered the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to reinstate a vetting system governing some 120,000 plates.
Derogatory references to ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, race, national origin, gender identity, disability, or religion are banned along with language that is obscene or incites violence, the report noted.
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"We have a public interest in keeping phrases and words that are profane or may incite violence off the roadways," Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said.
At least 13 appeals have been reported over plates deemed inappropriate, and more could be on the way.