From Deseret News archives:
Vanity plate case a slam-dunk
Udink, who is Dutch and proud of his heritage, wanted a personalized license plate. A Division of Motor Vehicles program deemed that the Price man's name was vulgar and obscene. Therefore, the DMV would not permit him to receive the vanity license plate.
Frankly, we don't get it. The dictionaries we checked refer to a dink as a shortened version of the word dinghy, which is a small boat or raft. We understand the word is used occasionally as slang, or as a pejorative, but the meaning is unclear and its usage is rare.
And, after all, as Udink protests, it's his name. He had no intent of causing a stir. He just wanted a license plate for his sports utility vehicle with his name on it. It's as simple as that.
Of course, dealing with a bureaucracy is never truly as simple as that, is it? It's not as if he knowingly sought out to place an obscene, vulgar or offensive word below his bumper. He just wanted to place the name that was his father's, his grandfather's and so on, on a Utah license plate. Udink is fairly common name if you live in Price or Ogden, where Udink's ancestors settled originally.
Clearly, the DMV needs a little more latitude to better serve the public. There needs to be a process to deal with vanity plate requests that are questionable. Since personalized license plates are seen by all who share the road with the plate holder, the state has some interest in ensuring the messages on the placards are appropriate.
Yet, it's doubtful that an application from a person named Smith or Jones would be given second's hesitation. Understanding his intent, should Udink's application should be viewed any differently?
The Administrative Rules Review Committee needs give the DMV sufficient latitude to grant requests such as Udink's.
Comments
- High school football: All-region teams 6:35 p.m.
- Aunt shouldn't enable drug habit 6:30 p.m.
- Dr. explains Mitchell review change 6:12 p.m.
- Stephanopoulos moves to GMA 6:09 p.m.
- DVDs include 'Stanwyck' and 'Ted' 6:07 p.m.
- Cool or hot, souls share same core 6:04 p.m.
- Christians voice belief in astrology 6:04 p.m.
- Utah churches in the news 6:00 p.m.
- Religion news around the world 5:58 p.m.
- Brubeck's religious music inspires 5:53 p.m.
- Letters: Global warming a lie
276 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
207 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
195 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
169 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
151 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
143 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
137 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
130 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Bravo Developers & Builders, without them no one would have a house to live...
Miles, saying that Dwill is not an all-star is insane. That he needs to work...
I have been camping in that area also,(several years ago) and it was rough...
Actually Utah would NOT have been national champions in 2004 or 2008 in the...
I am surprised the tickets didn't give a preasigned seat. It had been that...
Thanks to Craig for some great football memories. He was the best offensive...
What about Martinez? He's won a few!
This diversity of belief in individuals is interesting. It just goes to show...
Much depends on the wood and how they store it. Oak or almond is good. Pine...
Not at all surprised.


You can be the first to comment on this story.