COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Drivers across the Palmetto State have always used license plates to showcase their favorite schools, teams and organizations.
But there is a new addition that has some residents excited; while others are hitting the brakes.
Starting Monday, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will be selling Gay and Lesbian Equality specialty plates. South Carolina Pride President Jeff March said it is great news.
"It's a great step for visibility. People that will get this plate will make a statement either they are part of the Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,and Transsexual (LGBT) community in South Carolina, or they understand where we;re coming from."
For more than 20 years, Columbia has hosted the South Carolina Pride Festival. The annual event has grown over the years and highlights equal rights for all people. While South Carolina opposes gay marriage, advocates think the new equality plates are another step in the right direction. March thinks the design is not offensive.
"I think it is subtle. I don't think it will be in your face. It speaks out to everybody. That is what South Carolina is all about."
Critics like the Palmetto Family Council's Oran Smith say although they disagree with the message, the tags can be used legally because of lenient laws.
"We're not in agreement with the agenda of South Carolina equality. We're on opposite sides of many issues from them. But as far as the law stands legally, the plate is available for any non-profit."
The plates will be available starting Monday; costing $24 with a $25 plate fee. Half of the fee will go to the South Carolina Equality Education and Advocacy Group. Maryland and Indiana also have Equality Plates.
State law allows nonprofit groups to create specialty plates.
Equality board member Dean Pierce paid the $4,000 deposit. Pierce says it's difficult to grow up gay in South Carolina, and he wants to help make it easier for younger generations.
The Department of Motor Vehicles declined to comment, only saying the tags are one of several new specialty plates being unveiled.
A look at the state's many license plates:
-- 5.62 million vehicles bear the standard license plate.
-- "In God We Trust" is the top specialty plate, registered to 854,230 vehicles. The biennial fee is $24.
-- "University of South Carolina" is the No. 2 specialty plate, on 20,680 vehicles. $70 fee.
-- "Clemson University" is No. 3, on 16,012 vehicles. $70 fee.
-- The secular "In Reason We Trust" plate is registered to 412 vehicles. $30 biennial fee.
-- There are more than 130 specialty plates.
-- The state's 371 total plates include those for legislators, boards and commissions.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
