Now, this license plate frame is one cool way to make getting stuck in traffic at least a bit more exciting. With this flash frame, you can provide amusement for yourself and other people as well. Like when someone tailing your car seems to be suffering from obsessive-compulsive honking, flash “Silencio por favor, amigo.” Or, if there’s some hottie out there on the street you’d like to meet, just flash some totally sweet message or directly ask for his/her number—whichever style works for you. The flash frame’s ad says you can write as many as five messages that can be easily seen come day or night. Wow.

The question is, is this one legal?

It’s better to be on the safe side these days, you know. Like in Arizona, they have this new ruling this year that a license plate frame shouldn’t obscure the state’s name on the license plate. Otherwise, you’d be pulled over and charged a staggering $135, plus $15-$25 for court fees. Ouch.

So c’mon, people, let’s all be proud of our license plates. Everything that’s on the plate—including the state and the tab sticker number—should be out for everyone to see. Paying a $150 or more for a cutie but illegal license frame isn’t worth it at all.

Or, to be on the sure side, we can all just be responsible citizens for once and ask for advise regarding legal and illegal license plate frames from our respective states’ DMV.

A license plate frame, of course, holds or encloses your license plate. But it sure can be used as a form of expression, too. Whether it’s to flaunt your individual style or announce to the nation your views and convictions, it’s up to you. Just see to it that you use your license plate frame to your advantage. Well, it’s more sensible that your car displays a great part of you rather than your car dealer’s boring and cheap-looking advertisements (unless you work for the car dealer or you’re the car dealer himself).

And it’s always smart to invest in those quality license plate frames. You have to consider how durable they are because that dictates how long they’ll serve you. Shiny chromed steel is a recommended material when it comes to these frames’ construction. It’s sturdy and even highlights the frame’s content. Check the graphics as well if they’re firmly applied with a permanent adhesive vinyl decal; one that’s weather-, UV-, and water-resistant.

Now for my OBAMAnia blog series as tribute to the President, here are some of my favorite Obama license plate frames. They’re hip and catchy, bold and celebratory.

You’ve got to be ready, though, for those admiring stares (or intrusive paparazzi!) every time you take out your car for a drive. That’s the price you pay when you have a good-looking frame to match your license plate’s visual value.