In the Sunshine State, it’s illegal to use personalized plate designs from outside the DMV. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says over 100 specialty designs are available when registering their vehicle within the state.

For 893 drivers in the state, 100+ designs weren’t enough, so they decided to shop for aftermarket plate designs. More drivers are choosing aftermarket plate designs instead of official designs, which is a growing problem for authorities.

“We are trying to stop the current trend that we are seeing,” Lt. Alex Camacho of the Florida Highway Patrol told ABC 10.

The different designs qualify as a license plate modification – a $114 fine. In a state with some of the least expensive tickets for moving violations, that’s a hefty fine. But it isn’t enough to stop the 702 drivers in South Florida (or 78% of those cited throughout the state).

“If you put this tag on your car, we are going to seize that tag. You are going to get your vehicle towed and get an infraction for it,” Camacho continued. “It’s bigger than people saying it’s not a big deal.”

Modified plates are dangerous

Plates modified outside of factory dimensions make it more difficult for cameras to read letters and numbers, more difficult for officers to confirm registration, and make traffic stops more dangerous for officers. They’re typically used to avoid tolls, but anyone who blatantly buys a modified plate is usually up to no good.

The main concern from authorities is how many citations have been issued over the last year. Data shows police have written 98% more tickets, with most of them being in South Florida.

One business, called Platemakrs, uses social media to promote customized plates. The state is reportedly aware of the business’s contribution to the uptick in illegally modified plates, and Camacho says they’re looking into what can be done.

For now, the outlet encourages readers to explore the state-approved designs instead. The registration may be extra, but the proceeds go to several charities to support the environment, veterans, first responders, and more. Check them out here.