Despite complaints about the new Maryland license plates that have a War of 1812 theme, sales of vanity plates increased after the design was introduced in mid-June, the Motor Vehicle Administration says.

MVA spokesman Buel Young said that from June 14 to June 30, the state sold 454 vanity plates with a design evoking the image of the 1814 bombardment of Fort McHenry. He said that compares with 334 vanity plates sold during the May 14-30 period, when the old black-on-white design was in use.

The 1812 design is scheduled to be used as the default template for regular and vanity plates through 2015, when the state would revert to the former design. Some customers have complained that the new plates don't accommodate longer messages as well as the previous generic design. The popular Chesapeake Bay and agricultural plates will continue to be available for an extra $20 charge. Motorists who don't register a new vehicle can keep their current plates.

--Michael Dresser