The Annual Rejection List: Vanity Plates That Crossed the Line
Every year, thousands of drivers submit requests for personalized license plates, hoping to add a unique stamp to their vehicle. In Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has turned the disclosure of rejected plate proposals into an annual public tradition, offering a fascinating glimpse into the boundaries of acceptable expression on the road. The recently released list for 2025 continues this practice, highlighting submissions deemed inappropriate for public display.
Why “PRIUSSY” and Others Didn’t Make the Cut
Among the most notable rejections for the upcoming year is “PRIUSSY,” a clear play on words combining the popular Toyota hybrid model with a vulgar term. This plate joins a long history of automotive puns and suggestive phrases that state reviewers have denied. The rejection process is governed by strict guidelines designed to prohibit plates that are obscene, offensive, or could be misconstrued as official government insignia. Reviewers must interpret whether a combination of letters and numbers could be reasonably seen as derogatory, profane, or misleading to the public.
The Delicate Art of Plate Approval
The review system in Illinois, like in many states, walks a fine line between allowing personalization and maintaining public decorum. Officials must consider various interpretations and potential acronyms. A plate that seems harmless to one person might carry an offensive double meaning in another context or region. This preemptive screening aims to prevent hostile or embarrassing displays on state-issued property, thereby reducing potential road altercations or complaints. The annual release of the list also serves as a informal guide, discouraging motorists from submitting similarly problematic combinations in the future.
While the rejection of plates like “PRIUSSY” may draw smiles or headlines, it underscores a consistent administrative effort to keep Illinois roads free from officially sanctioned vulgarity. The process ensures that vanity plates remain a form of personal, yet broadly inoffensive, expression.