If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, chances are you’ve seen ads or videos showing off custom colored license plates, everything from matte black to chrome finishes.

They definitely catch your eye, and I’ll admit, some of them look sharp. But here’s the thing: In Florida, changing the color of your license plate is 100% illegal.

Custom wraps, paint jobs, or any DIY modifications to your state issued tag can land you in trouble.

A good rule of thumb: The way you received your license plate is the way you should keep it.

Florida law is very specific when it comes to how your plate must be displayed. That includes:

• No altering the color or design

• No covering or obscuring any part of the plate

• No extra stickers or decorations

• The registration decal must stay in the top right-hand corner

Even if it’s done “just for looks,” customizing your tag is a violation. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize these changes, and it can easily result in a traffic citation.

So, before you hand over your hard-earned cash to a company promising to “trick out” your tag, remember, it might look cool online, but it won’t look as good on a citation.