AWWHELL no: See which license plates are 2DAMFUN for Michigan
- Over 25,000 license personalized license plates have been rejected by the Secretary of State
- The department rejects license plates that depict curse words, intimate body parts or are harmful to a group or business
- Some license plates were rejected because the phrase became vulgar in combination with an organization’s logo
Sorry, TUBGAL and BEERBOY. These personalized license plates are among 25,000 that the Michigan Department of State has rejected for being offensive, inappropriate, or tasteless.
Bridge Michigan obtained the list through a public records request under the Freedom of Information Act. The department doesn’t track denials by year, but rather adds them to a continuously growing list.
Plates are generally rejected for reasons such as vulgarity, references to bodily functions, or the use of curse words. Other reasons for rejection include references to drugs, alcohol, criminal activity, or harmful slurs. The list of banned plates runs the gamut from “ADULTRY” to “WEEDMAN” and just about everything in between.
The complete list can be viewed here.
Who decides?
The review process involves about 25 volunteers, divided into three groups. The first group conducts the initial review, the second group votes on whether to approve or deny the plate, and the third group contacts the applicant to inform them of the rejection, offering an alternative plate if necessary, according to Angela Benander, spokesperson for the Secretary of State.
Related:
- Michigan’s blue and black retro license plates to return next month
- 0HCRAP, Michigan bans 25K license plates for being 2DAMH0T
Applicants whose plates are rejected can appeal the decision and present reasons why their personalized plate should be allowed.
The department will reject plates if they:
- Contains profanity or obscene language
- Depict a swear word
- Are sexually explicit or graphic
- Refer to intimate body parts
- Relate to alcohol, drugs, or drug use
- Allude to illegal activities or substances
- Interfere with law enforcement identification
- Promote hate or violence toward individuals or groups
Additionally, personalized plates that include an organization's logo can be denied if the combination creates a vulgar or inappropriate phrase. For example, the plate "1CFACE" cannot be used with a Detroit Tigers logo, as the 'D' in the logo could form an offensive word. Around 600 plates are rejected solely due to their combination with a logo.
Michigan residents seeking a personalized plate can check availability on the Secretary of State’s website and view how the plate will look if approved.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!