Drivers warned as Operation Patuh 2026 targets obscured license plates from 8 to 21 June

Drivers who deliberately remove or obscure vehicle license plates should prepare to be vigilant. Polri’s Traffic Corps (Korlantas) has confirmed Operation Patuh 2026 will run for two weeks from 8 to 21 June, focusing heavily on electronic traffic enforcement (ETLE). The operation will be conducted nationwide, tailored to each regional police force’s characteristics. Aries Syahbudin, Head of Korlantas Operations, stated this year’s operation prioritises digital law enforcement as part of Polri’s traffic system transformation. ‘Operation Patuh this year emphasises digital law enforcement via ETLE, so all units are instructed to maximise support for implementation,’ he said, quoted on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. In the operation, police will target violations that hinder ETLE camera functionality, including drivers intentionally removing, covering, or modifying license plates to avoid detection. Additionally, using stickers or paint to obscure plate numbers is also on the enforcement radar. ‘These violations are concerning as they disrupt the ETLE camera system during electronic law enforcement,’ he added. Despite prioritising electronic systems, police will still conduct manual enforcement for violations posing immediate danger to road users, such as driving against traffic flow. However, manual enforcement will account for a smaller proportion. Korlantas detailed that 60% of enforcement will be via ETLE, 30% through manual tickets, and 10% will be sympathetic warnings. ‘Sympathetic warnings will still be issued in specific situations where a humanistic approach is deemed more effective, though their proportion remains limited to 10%,’ he explained. Aries stressed that Operation Patuh 2026 is not merely about enforcement but part of a broader effort to enhance public traffic discipline through integrated preemptive, preventive, and law enforcement measures.