New York Governor Allows Long Island Grandpa to Keep Pee-Themed License Plate

Seth Bykofsky's 'PB4WEGO' plates were initially revoked by the DMV, but Governor Kathy Hochul stepped in to let him keep the humorous message.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After the New York Department of Motor Vehicles ordered 69-year-old Seth Bykofsky to remove his 'PB4WEGO' vanity license plates, which he had displayed for over five years, Bykofsky appealed directly to Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul personally called Bykofsky to say she found the plates 'hilarious' and supported the message, allowing him to keep the plates that serve as a reminder to use the restroom before leaving home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between government agencies trying to enforce decency standards on license plates versus individuals' rights to free speech and self-expression. It also speaks to the power of persistence, as Bykofsky was able to get the governor's personal attention and intervention to overturn the DMV's initial revocation.

The details

Bykofsky had the 'PB4WEGO' plates for over five years before the DMV sent him a letter in January 2026 stating the message was inappropriate and ordering him to destroy the tags. After complying by removing the plates, Bykofsky appealed directly to Governor Hochul, citing a similar case in New Hampshire where a resident was allowed to keep their 'PB4WEGO' plates. Hochul personally called Bykofsky to say she found the plates 'hilarious' and supported the message, overruling the DMV's decision.

  • In January 2026, the New York DMV sent Bykofsky a letter ordering him to remove his 'PB4WEGO' license plates.
  • On February 24, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul called Bykofsky to say she was allowing him to keep the plates.

The players

Seth Bykofsky

A 69-year-old Long Island grandfather who had the 'PB4WEGO' vanity license plates on his car for over five years.

Governor Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York who intervened to allow Bykofsky to keep his pee-themed license plates after the DMV initially revoked them.

New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The state agency that initially revoked Bykofsky's 'PB4WEGO' license plates, deeming the message inappropriate, before Governor Hochul overruled their decision.

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What they’re saying

“It's a relief — in so many ways. We can all safely now pee before we go here in New York.”

— Seth Bykofsky

“I loved it. I think everybody should be reminded to pee before you go...I support the effort wholeheartedly.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul

What’s next

Bykofsky plans to put the 'PB4WEGO' plates back on his car when he returns to Florida in the coming week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the power of persistence and the ability of individuals to challenge government decisions, even on seemingly trivial matters like license plate slogans. It also shows how humor and self-expression can sometimes prevail over bureaucratic attempts to enforce strict decency standards.