Romans 13 is probably best known as the passage in which Paul outlined the role God has ordained for civil government (Romans 13:1-4). As they fulfill this role, we have certain obligations toward them, including being in subjection and paying taxes (Romans 13:5-7). However, it is important to notice what Paul wrote next.
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. […] Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8, 10). Civil authorities have been ordained to punish evildoers (Romans 13:3-4). Evil in this context is defined as that which does harm to others.
The implication is that civil authorities exist and continue to be necessary because people wrong other people. Further, if all men treated others as they ought to treat them, civil authorities as God ordained them would not need to exist.
Of course, we know that such a condition will not exist as long as the earth stands because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet we need to treat people in such a way that it would be completely unnecessary for others to need the force of civil authority for protection or vengeance against us.
So remember that love is the fulfillment of the law. We should not refrain from wronging others simply because we fear the authorities; we should do “no wrong” because we are acting in love. Regardless of what the rulers classify as legal or illegal, we need to be motivated by love for others in everything we do.