A Pompano Beach woman was shocked to receive a new Florida license plate with her vehicle registration renewal that she says spells out an inappropriate phrase. Nancy Dello Stritto, who is nearly 77 years old, opened her mail to find a plate reading “SQZ A55,” which many interpret as a crude expression.
Dello Stritto told CBS News Miami she went “ballistic” upon seeing the plate and questioned how it passed any review process. “I don't think a senior who is almost 77 will be driving around with a plate that has that to say,” she said. “When I saw that, I went ballistic. I said, ‘How could that pass inspection?’”
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with Florida’s license plate issuance system, where combinations are generated automatically but supposed to be screened for offensiveness. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) oversees plate production and distribution, but officials have not yet commented publicly on this specific case.
Dello Stritto contacted authorities to request a replacement, as personalized or vanity plates undergo more scrutiny than standard issues. Standard plates are issued in sequence, and while offensive combinations are typically avoided, occasional slips occur due to the high volume processed statewide. No injuries or other incidents were reported in connection with the plate.
The story has drawn attention from local residents and seniors who rely on their vehicles for daily errands in South Florida’s busy traffic. Community members expressed sympathy for Dello Stritto’s situation, noting that such errors can cause embarrassment for drivers, particularly older adults.
FLHSMV typically allows exchanges for objectionable plates at no additional cost once reported, though processing times vary. Dello Stritto’s experience serves as a reminder for all motorists to check new plates immediately upon receipt.
This is not the first time a Florida driver has reported an unintended message on a state-issued plate, prompting occasional calls for improved screening technology or manual reviews. State officials emphasize that the vast majority of plates are issued without issue, supporting millions of registered vehicles across Florida.
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