White license plate: Meaning, Validity Period and Its Differences

In recent months, white license plates have become a hot topic among the Indonesian public. This occurred after the traffic police introduced this license plate on one of their social media accounts.

Usually, the public is familiar with black license plates. So what does the white color on the license plate mean and when did it start to take effect?

A white license plate is a license plate used for all types of vehicles throughout Indonesia, including private vehicles, legal entity vehicles, vehicles owned by foreign representatives, and vehicles owned by international organizations.

This change has been in effect since June 2022, as an effort to harmonize the vehicle license plate system in Indonesia.

To enhance your knowledge about white license plates and other types of license plates, here we present more detailed information for you.

What Does the White License Plate Mean in 2023?

In 2023, the government introduced a policy for the use of white vehicle license plates with a specific purpose. This policy is implemented as part of efforts to improve the effectiveness of Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE).

ETLE is a technology used to detect traffic violations by capturing photos and violation information using cameras and sensors installed at several points along the route. The change of vehicle license plate color to white is expected to improve the accuracy of e-ticket camera readings.

The use of white license plates makes it easier for e-ticket cameras to read the license plate numbers of vehicles that violate traffic rules, including cars. As a replacement for yellow license plates, white license plates are designed with a simple design, having the same size, thickness, and material as previous vehicle license plates. The only difference lies in the white base color and black lettering.

When Did the White License Plate Take Effect?

The white license plate regulation has been in effect since June 2022 according to the order letter from the Chief of Police Drs. Listyo Sigit Prabowo M.Si signed on May 5, 2021.

This policy is in accordance with Police Regulation No. 7 of 2021 Article 45 paragraph 1. This license plate applies to the public who purchase new vehicles, renew vehicle registration (STNK), change to new license plates, and change vehicle ownership that occurred in June 2022.

Why Was There a Change in License Plate Color from Black to White?

This color change has been planned since 2014 but was only ratified in the Police Regulation in 2021. Here are some reasons why the license plate color changed from black to white.

The color change was made to support the ETLE (Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement) program, or electronic tickets, which has been in effect since 2021. This electronic ticketing is carried out by utilizing CCTV to monitor traffic violations.
License plates will be equipped with chips. The traffic police plan to install chips on white license plates to facilitate police in knowing whether tax payments have been made or not, as well as how many times the vehicle has committed violations.
It functions for electronic toll and parking payments. The installation of chips on this plate will be developed for e-parking or e-toll payments.

Types of White, Red, and Black License Plates in Indonesia

Basically, license plates in Indonesia have four colors, as established in the Traffic and Road Transportation Law No. 22 of 2009, namely black, red, yellow, and green license plates.

However, since the enactment of Police Regulation No. 7 of 2021 Article 45 paragraph 1, the color of motor vehicle license plates in Indonesia has changed to white, red, yellow, and green. Here are the meanings of the latest license plates in Indonesia.

1. Red License Plate with White Lettering

This plate is a license plate used for government agency vehicles. Usually, those who use vehicles with this plate are civil servants (PNS) or government employees with work agreements (PPPK).

2. Yellow License Plate with Green Lettering

This plate is used for public transportation or public service vehicles.

3. Green License Plate with Black Lettering

This plate is used for vehicles located in free trade zones and exempt from import duties. For example, vehicles used in the Bintan, Batam, Karimun, and Sabang port areas.

4. White License Plate with Black Lettering

This plate is a new plate replacing the black plate with white lettering. This plate is usually used for individuals, legal entities, international bodies, and foreign representatives (PNA).

Thus, a complete discussion regarding the meaning and when the white license plate started to be implemented in Indonesia. So now you understand and don't have to worry if your license plate is still black because it is still considered valid and legitimate until the STNK and license plate expire.

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