The California Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) apologized after it issued a license plate that some interpreted as a mockery of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The polarising plate sparked widespread condemnation as its photos quickly went viral on social media. Officials said they did not see the offensive meaning in the approval process.
Public Outcry Over License Plate Content
The license plate, which reads “LOLOCT7,” became a viral sensation after the watchdog organization StopAntisemitism shared a photo of it on social media. The public widely condemned the plate, believed to reference the attack in coded language, as reports spread online and through the press. Critics also accused the DMV of negligence for allowing its approval. The backlash grew as communities reacted angrily at what appeared to many to be an insensitive oversight.
DMV Admits Oversight and Issues Apology
Faced with backlash, DMV officials admitted to making a mistake by approving the license plate. In a statement on X, the agency apologized and described the situation as “unacceptable and disturbing.” It also pledged to bolster the internal review process promptly to ensure that “such an egregious oversight never happens again.”
License Plate Owner’s Son Calls It a Misunderstanding
StopAntisemitism reported spotting the license plate on a Tesla Cybertruck at the intersection of Jefferson and Sepulveda Boulevards in Culver City, explaining that “LOL” is an acronym often used to mean “laugh out loud.”
The son of the Cybertruck’s owner told the Los Angeles TV station KTLA that the plate was being misinterpreted, explaining that “Lolo” means “grandfather” in Tagalog and “CT” is short for Cybertruck.
Renewed Call for Stringent Plate Review Systems
The incident reignited discussions around personalized license plates and their ability to convey damaging messages. Advocates actively pushed for tighter scrutiny of plate applications, ensuring authorities promptly reject inappropriate or offensive messages. DMV officials said that they would respond quickly to address the concerns.
