Bali Traffic Rules & Police Checks: Documents and Fines
By the SiapPergi Editorial Team · Published 8 October 2026 · 6 min read
Police traffic checks are fairly common in Bali's tourist areas such as Kuta, Canggu and Ubud. The most frequent offences are not carrying the right licence and not wearing a helmet.
Documents you must carry
- SIM C (Indonesian motorcycle licence), or for foreigners your home licence + an IDP covering motorcycles.
- The scooter's STNK (registration card) — usually kept by the rental under the seat.
- Personal ID (ID card/passport or a copy, as the rental advises).
Penalties under the Traffic Law (UU LLAJ)
Below are the maximum penalties in Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transport. The actual fine imposed is decided through the applicable legal process.
| Offence | Article | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| No licence | Article 281 | 4 months' imprisonment or a Rp1,000,000 fine |
| Not carrying/showing a licence | Article 288(2) | 1 month's imprisonment or a Rp250,000 fine |
| Not carrying the STNK | Article 288(1) | 2 months' imprisonment or a Rp500,000 fine |
| Not wearing an SNI helmet | Article 291(1) | 1 month's imprisonment or a Rp250,000 fine |
| Passenger not wearing a helmet | Article 291(2) | 1 month's imprisonment or a Rp250,000 fine |
| Ignoring traffic signs/markings | Article 287(1) | 2 months' imprisonment or a Rp500,000 fine |
If the police stop you
- Pull over safely and switch off the engine.
- Take off your sunglasses and stay polite.
- Show your licence and STNK.
- If you broke a rule, follow the official ticketing (tilang) procedure and keep the proof.
The easiest way to avoid a ticket: carry the right licence, wear a helmet (passengers too) and obey the signs.
Foreign tourists: also read the scooter rental guide for foreigners.
Ready to rent a scooter?
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This article follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, prices are given as ranges, and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.