Do You Need to Report a Car Paint Color Change to the Police?

Vehicle owners often change a car’s paint color to update its appearance or match their style. However, many people do not realize that altering a vehicle’s color involves more than aesthetics—it also carries legal considerations.

Under Indonesian traffic regulations, vehicle owners must report any change in a car’s paint color to the police. This ensures that the authorities keep the vehicle’s data consistent with its identity on the STNK and BPKB. This article explains the reasons behind this rule, the reporting process, and the risks if owners ignore it.

Legal Regulations on Changing Car Paint Color in Indonesia  

You cannot change a car’s color arbitrarily, as any alteration to a vehicle’s identity must be officially reported. The purpose is to ensure that the vehicle’s actual data matches the official documents, such as the STNK and BPKB. This way, the vehicle remains legally registered and avoids potential legal issues in the future.

Legal Basis for Changing Motor Vehicle Color

Vehicle color changes are regulated under Indonesian National Police Regulation (Perkap) No. 7 of 2021. Any modification to a vehicle’s shape, engine, or color must be reported to the police for re-registration and a new STNK.

Vehicle Modifications in the Traffic and Road Transport Law

In addition to the Perkap, this provision is also stated in Law Number 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transport, specifically:

• Article 64, paragraph (1): Every motor vehicle must be registered to obtain an STNK and BPKB.
• Article 70, paragraph (2): Any changes to a vehicle’s identity, such as color, shape, or engine, must be reported to the police.
• Article 280: Vehicle owners who operate a vehicle without complying with registration requirements may face criminal penalties or administrative fines.

Consequences of Failing to Report a Car Paint Color Change

Car owners who change their vehicle’s color without reporting it to the police can face a fine of up to IDR 500,000 or a maximum of 2 months’ imprisonment, according to Article 288, paragraph (1) of the Traffic and Road Transport Law (UU LLAJ). In addition to these penalties, authorities may impound the vehicle or reject it during STNK renewal if it fails administrative checks. Therefore, owners should report any color changes promptly to keep the vehicle’s data valid and avoid legal issues on the road.

Car Paint Color Change Reporting Process

Vehicle owners must report any car paint color change to keep the vehicle’s data on the STNK and BPKB consistent with its actual condition. The process is relatively straightforward, as long as the vehicle owner prepares complete documents and follows the service procedures at the police office or Samsat according to applicable regulations.  

Syarat Administrasi yang Perlu Disiapkan

Before reporting, make sure you have prepared the following required documents:

• Original and copy of STNK 
• Original and copy of BPKB
• Nation ID card 
• Vehicle inspection report
• Proof of PNBP payment for vehicle data update

Those are required for verification, reissuance of the STNK, and updating the vehicle color information in the BPKB.

How to Submit Car Color Change to the Police

1. Visit the local Samsat office at the district police (Polres) with all the required documents.

2. Undergo a vehicle inspection to verify that the chassis and engine numbers match the records.
3. Fill out the vehicle data change form, including details of the new color.
   
4. Pay the administrative fee (PNBP) as required by regulations.
5. New STNK will be issued with the updated vehicle color information.
6. The BPKB will be updated at the vehicle registration section of the police department.

Estimated Costs and Processing Time

The cost of reporting a vehicle color change is relatively affordable, typically ranging from IDR 100,000 to IDR 150, for issuing a new STNK, excluding the vehicle inspection fee. The process usually takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on queue length and document completeness. With its quick process and low cost, reporting a car’s color change is an essential step to ensure the vehicle remains legally registered on the road.

Differences Between Repainting and Car Wrapping in Legality

Authorities treat repainting and wrapping differently under vehicle regulations. When you repaint your car and change its primary color, report the new color to the police so they can update your STNK and BPKB. Car wrapping usually lasts temporarily, so you do not need to report it unless it significantly changes the vehicle’s dominant color.

Is Car Wrapping Considered a Color Change?

Authorities usually treat car wrapping as an additional layer, not as a replacement for the car’s original paint. However, if the wrapping covers more than 50% of the vehicle’s surface and changes its dominant color, you must report it to the police. Reporting ensures that the authorities update the vehicle’s color to match the official ownership records.

What Are the Regulations on a Vehicle’s Dominant Color?

According to police regulations, the dominant color refers to the hue that covers the largest visible area of the vehicle’s body. For example, if your car has a two-tone combination—70% black and 30% red—the registered color will still be black. Any change to this dominant color is what legally requires reporting to the authorities.

Common Cases That Often Confuse Car Owners

Some common cases that often cause confusion among car owners:

• The owner wraps the car in a different color without reporting it to the authorities.
• Many people mistakenly consider partially repainting some car panels as a full color change.
• Pearlescent or color-shifting paint makes it difficult to determine the dominant color accurately. 
• Cars with large graphic designs or decals that significantly alter the vehicle’s overall appearance.