Letter to the DMV
29-Aug-03
Cory James Shipley-Brown
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269
Dear Mr. Shipley-Brown,
I recently requested a California Environmental License Plate with the configuration HY4LIFE. The configuration was rejected on the grounds that it may be considered offensive. I am writing to appeal this decision and ask that you grant this configuration.
The license plate in question is for a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid car. The back of the car, shown in the enclosed photo, clearly displays the “Hybrid” logo. Most drivers will see the license plate from behind, where this logo is displayed; it is unlikely that anyone could miss the connection between “HY” and “Hybrid.”
“HY4LIFE” is an indicator of my intention to drive hybrid or similarly low-emissions, alternate-fuel vehicles for the rest of my life. These cars are better for the environment and reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil sources. What better car to put a California environmental plate on?
I realize that on another car, this plate could be considered questionable, which is why I felt I should describe the car it is to be used on. Just as a license plate with “69” can only be assigned to a car made in 1969, I felt the context for this configuration was important in deciding whether it is appropriate or not.
Please reconsider your decision to turn down this license plate configuration.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Cottrell Bryant