Is Driving with Headphones Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No. Driving with headphones in Indonesia violates traffic safety regulations under Law No. 22/2009 and Government Regulation No. 79/2013, enforced by Korlantas Polri. The use of audio devices that impair auditory awareness risks fines up to IDR 1 million (2026 adjusted rates) and license suspension.

Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Indonesia

  • Prohibition under Law No. 22/2009 (Article 106): Drivers must maintain full auditory awareness; headphones obstruct this duty.
  • Government Regulation No. 79/2013 (Article 4): Explicitly bans earphones/headphones while operating vehicles, citing distraction risks.
  • Korlantas Polri Enforcement (2024–2026): Road patrols issue citations under Perkap No. 12/2019, with penalties escalating in 2026 due to rising accident rates linked to auditory impairment.

Violations are categorized as administrative offenses, subject to:

  • IDR 500,000–1,000,000 fines (2026 adjusted for inflation).
  • 3-month license suspension for repeat offenders.
  • Mandatory defensive driving courses in lieu of fines for first-time violators.

Local jurisdictions (e.g., Jakarta, Surabaya) impose additional Perda (regional regulations) with stricter penalties. Exceptions apply only to hearing aids or emergency vehicle operators with prior authorization. Non-compliance data is logged in the Sistem Administrasi Manunggal Satu Atap (SAMSAT) database, affecting insurance premiums.