Ontario has recently disclosed its extensive list of custom license plate applications rejected in 2023, spanning an array from the bizarre to the outright offensive.
Ontario drivers have the option to personalize their license plates, selecting specific combinations of letters or numbers, provided they adhere to guidelines barring pre-existing issuances and anything deemed "objectionable" under certain criteria. The rejection criteria encompass a prohibition on sexual references, obscene language, and any allusions to political figures, dignitaries, or law enforcement.
The list of rejects -- shared with Village Life -- spans a whopping 56 pages, offering an eclectic array of submissions that failed to meet the province's standards. A spokesperson for the province says that the list may still expand, as personalized license plates ordered between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, could be pending further review.
A staggering 5,000 applications faced rejection in 2023, primarily due to sexual references, abusive language, and copyright concerns. Personalized plates, allowing two to eight characters of letters and numbers, saw applications rejected if the combinations were already in use.
Among the prohibited content were messages with sexual connotations, offensive language, and slang. Some standout examples of rejected plates include: 00FKSGVN, CRAZBTCH, FRIGSAKE, IM.L8.AF, STU.PITT, SHIT.SHW, 10NMINMAN, 23SWNGR, and BIGSEXEE.
Applications referencing drug or alcohol use or sale, such as CRKADICT, GRASSBOY, and GUINNE5S, were also declined.
Interestingly, a solitary rejection for the plate LOLL was noted under graphics and characters, citing a violation of a contract with a graphic partner.
Ontario's rejection criteria extended to political opinions, negative government messages, and references to well-known figures. Examples from 2023 encompassed plates like ATTORNYS, COP2SLO, FORDLOL, LOLGRETA, THECROWN, and OMG.KING.
The government further prohibited license plates featuring messages of contempt, ridicule, or superiority based on race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, family status, physical characteristics, disability, or political affiliation.
Under the category of "violence and criminal activity," including messages promoting discrimination, bias, or illegal actions, numerous rejections emerged, such as BAD.BOIS, BANKROBR, CRIMZ, HACKERR, and KLJOY.
However, the 56-page list of rejected licence plates does not include those that are still under review, according to the province, so this list could actually be much longer.
