Operation Patuh 2026: Police Target Deliberately Obscured License Plates

Police will conduct Operation Patuh across Indonesia. This year’s operation prioritises vehicles with non-compliant license plates, including those deliberately obscured to evade Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) camera monitoring. ‘This year’s Operation Patuh emphasises digital law enforcement via ETLE, with all personnel required to maximise support for its implementation,’ said Police Commissioner Aries Syahbudin, quoted on the Korlantas Polri website on Tuesday (26/5). The move follows a rise in violations where drivers modify or obscure vehicle identification. Police stressed these acts are serious traffic law breaches, punishable by fines or vehicle impoundment. He explained that obscured license plates hinder ETLE camera systems used for electronic law enforcement. Meanwhile, violations such as wrong-way driving will still be addressed via traditional traffic tickets. In addition to vehicle identification, Operation Patuh will target other visible traffic violations likely to cause accidents, including those covered under Law No. 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transportation (LLAJ), which mandates all motor vehicles to display police-issued Vehicle Registration Plates (TNKB). Non-compliant or deliberately obscured plates may incur criminal penalties or administrative fines in Indonesian rupiah as per regulations. Police urge the public not to use illegal methods to evade e-tickets. ETLE technology will remain optimised, and officers retain authority to issue manual tickets for deliberate and dangerous violations. Operation Patuh aims to improve road discipline and reduce traffic accident rates.