No personalized licence plate for Saskatchewan driver named ‘Assman’

REGINA — It may be his last name, but it doesn’t mean he can have it on his licence plate.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance recently rejected David Assman’s request to get his last name on a personalized licence plate because people may find it offensive.

Assman pronounces his name differently than it’s spelled. But a Crown insurance spokesman says it doesn’t matter because that’s not what people see.

Tyler McMurchy says some people have names that when seen out of context could be considered offensive.

McMurchy says the government insurer tends to err on the side of caution.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

10h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

Assman shares a last name with the late Regina gas jockey Dick Assman, who rose to fame after appearing on David Letterman’s late-night show in the 1995.

McMurchy noted licence plates are the property of the government agency.

“There is a need for some standards.”

Racial slurs, political connotations or words that hint at sex, drugs, crime or impaired driving are all banned.

(CJME)

The Canadian Press