Movement to Stop Paying Vehicle Tax Could Lead to Legal Sanctions, Police Explain
SEMARANG, KOMPAS.com - Recently, the issue of the “stop paying vehicle tax” movement in Central Java has been widely discussed, following the implementation of a tax policy that has made some vehicle owners feel burdened.
This call has attracted public attention, especially regarding the impact if vehicle owners delay or do not pay their taxes.
Paying vehicle tax is not just a financial obligation, but also determines the legality of the vehicle on the road. If ignored, there are administrative consequences and potential legal sanctions for the owner.
“It is important to emphasise that the STNK (Vehicle Registration Certificate) and TNKB (Vehicle Registration Plate) are valid for 5 years and must be validated annually,” he said to Kompas.com, Thursday (26/2/2026).
“The annual STNK validation is carried out simultaneously with the payment of the Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) and the Mandatory Contribution to the Road Traffic Accident Fund (SWDKLLJ),” he continued.
He also explained that this annual validation is a form of supervision and control function for vehicle registration and to encourage compliance with vehicle tax payments.
“If the vehicle tax is not paid, the STNK cannot be validated each year, so administratively the vehicle is considered to have not fulfilled its annual registration obligation,” he said.
Furthermore, Prianggo explained that Article 288 paragraph (1) states that anyone who drives a motor vehicle on the road without being equipped with a Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate or Motor Vehicle Trial Certificate as stipulated by the Indonesian National Police as referred to in Article 106 paragraph (5) letter a may be subject to criminal sanctions.
In this regulation, it is stated that the offender can be punished with a maximum imprisonment of 2 (two) months or a maximum fine of Rp500,000.00 (five hundred thousand rupiah).
Furthermore, Prianggo also explained that in Article 260 paragraph (1) letter d, it is stated that police officers are authorised to seize Driving Permits, motor vehicles, cargo, Motor Vehicle Registration Certificates, Motor Vehicle Trial Certificates, and/or vehicle inspection certificates as evidence.
This authority is carried out in the process of taking action against traffic violations, including if the vehicle does not meet the applicable administrative requirements.
“So, the call not to pay tax carries the risk of causing administrative and legal consequences,” he said.
He also said that the STNK is valid for five years, but without annual validation through payment of the PKB and SWDKLLJ at the Samsat service office, the vehicle may be considered illegal when operated on the road, and can be subject to action in accordance with applicable regulations.
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