Her name is Isis Wharton and she has decided to go against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it may seem silly but this resident of the north of the state never had a problem with her plate until the DMV decided to demand that she hand it over as soon as possible. The problem is that her plate was personalized with the inscription IAMISIS and she has been using it since 2022 without anyone objecting… how many people are named Isis?!
Now, the DMV believes that this inscription violates state rules because it could be linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria… Really, George?
The clash with the DMV
Wharton says she chose the plate because she wanted to reflect her name on her car, and that she had never had problems renewing it during these years. After paying the registration this year without issues, she received a notification that she had to hand it over.
Why can she not have this plate?
Because the DMV relies on a state regulation that dictates that no plate can contain messages that make reference to illegal activities or violent groups. For the agency, the letters “ISIS” fit directly into that prohibition, even though in this case they are the real name of the driver!!
What is ISIS?
In this case, we are talking about a terrorist organization that emerged after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, they sought to establish an extremist and extremely violent Islamic caliphate. It is considered one of the most dangerous threats to global security and that is why the DMV considers that no plate should carry those initials.
The defense of Isis Wharton
She, for her part, says she is hurt and puzzled. “I have had this plate since 2022 and I have renewed it every year without problems. I do not understand why now it is a problem” she declared.
Some legal experts point out that the claim could enter the field of the First Amendment, which protects the freedom of expression of all citizens. If Wharton decides to take the case to court, the clash between the DMV and her right to use her own name would be left in the hands of a judge.
The eternal debate about personalized plates
Personalized plates are very common in the United States. For some drivers they are a way to show hobbies, ideas or even private jokes. The problem is where to draw the line, because what for one person is an innocent wink, for another can be offensive or even dangerous.
In this case the dilemma is evident. “Isis” is a proper name with a huge cultural and historical background (it is that of an Egyptian goddess!!), but it also coincides with the initials of a terrorist organization.
Possible consequences
It is not the first time that the California DMV rejects a plate for its content. It has happened before with messages considered offensive or in bad taste. The difference now is that it is not an invented nickname, but the real name of a person.
If Wharton appeals and wins, the case could set a precedent on the limits that states can impose when controlling personalized plates. If she loses, it would reinforce the idea that authorities can restrict these messages even if they clash with a citizen’s identity.
Her own name is a matter of debate, for the DMV, a negative association that should not circulate on the roads. For Isis Wharton, carrying her name on the plate of her vehicle.
It still remains to be seen what will happen with her, but whatever happens in this case will serve as a precedent for similar cases… should a plate be personalized if it comes into conflict with public safety?