HUMAN ERROR and Modification Ethic for Vehicle in Indonesia An overview of vehicle regulation, driver behavior, and modification ethics based on Indonesian traffic law (UU No. 22/2009) and related regulations.
Introduction Indonesia enforces strict rules on vehicle operation and modification to maintain safety, environmental sustainability, and public order.
Legal Framework • Law No. 22 of 2009: Road Traffic and Transportation • Government Regulation No. 55 of 2012: Vehicles • National Police Regulation No. 5 of 2021: Vehicle Registration
Human Error and Traffic Violations Common causes include negligence, lack of awareness, and intentional violation of traffic rules such as speeding or running red lights.
Failing to Turn On Vehicle Lights Article 107 (1) – Drivers must use headlights at night. Penalty: Fine up to Rp250,000 or 1-month imprisonment.
Driving Without Documents Article 288 – Drivers must carry valid SIM and STNK. No SIM: Fine Rp1,000,000 or 4-month jail. No STNK: Fine Rp250,000 or 1-month jail.
Speed Limit Violation Article 287 (5) – Exceeding or driving below set speed limit. Penalty: Fine up to Rp500,000 or 2-month imprisonment.
Running Red Lights Article 287 (2) – Disobeying traffic lights. Penalty: Fine Rp500,000 or 2-month imprisonment.
Driving Against Traffic Flow Article 287 (1) – Driving against the direction of traffic. Penalty: Fine Rp500,000 or 2-month imprisonment.
Vehicle Modification Ethics Vehicle modification is allowed only with approval and testing. Unauthorized modification violates Articles 50–52 of Law 22/2009.
Frame Modification Article 277 – Changing vehicle frame without approval is prohibited. Penalty: 1-year imprisonment or Rp24 million fine.
License Plate Alteration Article 68 & 280 – Changing size, shape, or color of plate violates regulation. Penalty: Rp500,000 or 2-month jail.
Changing Vehicle Color National Police Regulation No. 5/2021 – Owners must re-register vehicle after color change to update official records.
Dimension Modification PP No. 55/2012 – Any change in vehicle dimensions (length, width, height) requires re-testing and approval from transportation authority.
Engine Capacity Alteration Article 50 – Engine modifications must meet technical standards. Unauthorized changes make vehicle unfit for road use.
Exhaust and Lighting Modifications Article 285 (1) – Non-standard exhausts or excessive lighting lead to fines up to Rp250,000 or 1-month imprisonment.
Removing Safety Equipment Example: removing mirrors, horns, or seatbelts. Penalty: Rp250,000–Rp500,000 or up to 2 months in jail.
Ethical Principles in Modification • Maintain public safety • Preserve environmental standards • Avoid excessive or illegal modifications • Register all changes officially
Vehicle Inspection (KIR) Article 229 – Government conducts regular inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance.
Conclusion Obeying traffic laws and ethical modification practices support road safety, fairness, and environmental sustainability.