California Woman Sues DMV Over Banned License Plate Hinting at 'River to the Sea'
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A California woman, Yasmin Abednabbi, is suing the state's DMV for revoking her license plate "RVRTSEA," which she claims was meant to support equal rights but was linked to the anti-Israel slogan "From the River to the Sea." After receiving complaints, the DMV canceled the plate, a decision upheld by an administrative judge who cited potential interpretations of incitement to violence or support for genocide. Abednabbi argues the revocation violates her First Amendment rights.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yasmin Abednabbi is suing California's DMV after her license plate "RVRTSEA" was revoked.
- The plate was linked to the anti-Israel slogan "From the River to the Sea."
- Abednabbi claims she intended to support equal rights for all in the region.
- The DMV cited complaints that the plate encouraged terrorism and violence.
- An administrative judge ruled the plate could be seen as incitement to violence or support for genocide.
- Abednabbi argues the revocation violates her First Amendment right to free speech.
A California resident is suing the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after her personalized license plate, "RVRTSEA," was revoked due to its association with the anti-Israel slogan "From the River to the Sea." The resident, Yasmin Abednabbi, ordered the plate in December 2023, two months after the October 7th attacks, and received it in May 2024. The slogan "From the River to the Sea" is frequently heard at anti-Israel protests and is seen as a call for Israel's elimination.
Abednabbi claims her intention was to express support for equal rights for all inhabitants in the region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. However, following complaints from other drivers who argued the plate encouraged terrorism and violence, the DMV initiated proceedings to cancel it. In October 2024, the department ordered Abednabbi to return the plate, stating the message could be interpreted as offensive to an ethnic or racial group.
Abednabbi appealed the decision, but an administrative judge upheld the DMV's ruling, determining the inscription could be construed as support for genocide or incitement to violence. The judge noted she was free to express her political views through other means, such as stickers on her car. Abednabbi has now filed a federal lawsuit, asserting that the revocation of her license plate violates her First Amendment right to freedom of speech. The DMV has not yet responded to the lawsuit and declined to comment on the legal proceedings.
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