'COPSLIE' license plate is protected by free speech, court rules

The Los Angeles Times ^ | 05-08-2014 | Paresh Dave

[PaulCruz2016]

Though it might insult police officers and make them want to pull him over, a New Hampshire man's car could soon be sporting a license plate reading “COPSLIE.”

David Montenegro, whose legal name is "human," sued the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles after officials rejected his vanity license plate application on the grounds that it accused police officers of "moral turpitude." Citing DMV rules, the officials said “COPSLIE” was offensive to the good taste of a reasonable person.

On Wednesday, New Hampshire’s top court struck down the DMV's “good taste” standard as vague and in violation of the state constitution's free speech clause because it allows for arbitrary and discriminatory decisions.

“Because the ‘offensive to good taste’ standard is not susceptible of objective definition, the restriction grants DMV officials the power to deny a proposed vanity registration plate because it offends particular officials’ subjective idea of what is ‘good taste,’” the New Hampshire Supreme Court wrote in a 5-0 decision.

[Gaffer]

It’s a matter of personal interpretation which should not be relegated to some bureaucrat’s determination without exactly specific guidelines. IOW, LEOs are not GOD - they never were.

[Raycpa]

They also stand and sit.

[AU72]

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to drive the roads with the license plate COPSLIE.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to drive the roads with the license plate COPSLIE.

Not without a video crew following you in the car behind.

[all the best]

Asking for trouble.

[Abathar]

I have a feeling he “Chose Poorly...”

[a fool in paradise]

Soon to become the target of meter maids and seatbelt inspectors statewide.

[MrB]

Beat me to it.

[varyouga]

I hope the guy rides with a hidden camera and busts many idiot cops.

[Iron Munro]

He should have just got a tag that said ASKN-4-IT

[Pilgrim's Progress]

Yep, I doubt that he will be talking himself out of many tickets . . . more likely the cop will find a reason to drag him out of the vehicle and abuse his face and upper torso . . .

[JRandomFreeper]

Yep. Dirty cops that want a little retribution need to be busted and taken off the streets. Good cops won't even bother to acknowledge it.

/johnny

[Pilgrim's Progress]

He is definitely acting stupidly . . .

[Pilgrim's Progress]

Probably in about four different languages, “COPSLIE” is translated, “Kick Me!”

[Responsibility2nd]

At first I thought; “This guy must be a FReeper!”

And sure enough, he is.

(courtesy ping)

[JRandomFreeper]

more likely the cop will find a reason to drag him out of the vehicle and abuse his face and upper torso

Criminal actions by public servants need to be stomped on hard, every time they happen.

At least this guy is willing to put his @$$ on the line to live by his principles.

/johnny

[Secret Agent Man]

i do. many cops do lie. i know all don’t but many do. and many cover for those that lie.

[Constitution Day]

HA!

[Secret Agent Man]

only bad cops will be the ones giving him a hard time.