Before being recalled by the Nevada DMV, a Nevada license plate bearing the words “Go back to California” received over 80,000 likes on Facebook. Reflecting long-standing tensions between Californians and Nevadans, the plate’s bold message resonated and sparked a lot of internet discussion.

Though not all requests are granted, guys are especially fond of custom license plates. Some plates, like “F4K3 T4XI” and “BUYAGRAM,” were refused for implying unlawful activity, while others, like “SAUC3D” and “RAMP4GE,” were rejected for possibly offensive language.

This instance demonstrates how social media can turn a straightforward local message into a topic of conversation on a worldwide scale. The plate’s comedy struck a chord with many, and depending on one’s perspective, it became a symbol of either state pride or annoyance.

This incident highlights the erratic ways in which anything might garner public notice in an era where digital culture is intricately woven into everyday life. Whether on purpose or not, the person who made this notorious plate had a profound impact on online culture and sparked discussions beyond of Nevada.