Law Enforcement of Traffic Violations by Children as Motorcyclists in the Jurisdiction of the Pohuwato Police

Analisis peran kepolisian, hambatan, dan upaya penanganan di Satuan Lalu Lintas Polres Pohuwato

Abstract

This study examines law enforcement against traffic violations by children as motorcyclists in the jurisdiction of the Pohuwato Police. This issue is important because Law Number 22 of 2009 requires every motorized vehicle driver to have a driving license, while children under the required age do not yet have sufficient legal capacity and driving skills. This study aims to analyze the role of the police, as well as the obstacles and efforts involved in handling traffic violations by children. The method used is empirical legal research with a descriptive approach through the study of legislation, observation, and interviews at the Pohuwato Police Traffic Unit. The results show that violations by children under 16 years old increased from 52 violators in 2023 to 84 violators in 2024. The dominant violations include not wearing a helmet, not having a driver's license or vehicle registration, riding with more than the stipulated number of passengers, and going against the flow of traffic. Law enforcement is carried out through pre-emptive, preventive, and repressive efforts but still faces obstacles such as uncooperative children, children turning around when seeing officers, and parental resistance. This study emphasizes the importance of educational law enforcement, child protection, and family involvement in building a culture of orderly traffic.