What Documents Must You Carry When Stopped by Police in Bali?

If you are wondering which documents you must carry when stopped by police in Bali, the answer is usually four core items: the right licence, the STNK vehicle registration, your ID card or passport, and, for foreign visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP). Here is the full list, written from the point of view of the SiapPergi local team, who deliver vehicles to hotels and villas across Bali every day.

Traffic checks in Bali, especially on the roads through Kuta, Canggu, Ubud and Denpasar, are routine. The police (Polda Bali and the local Polresta in each area) decide how checks are carried out, while traffic rules and fines are set by national law. Because rules can change, always check the official police sources before riding.

Mandatory Documents to Carry

1. The correct licence (SIM): a SIM C (motorcycle) is required for a scooter, and a SIM A for a car.
2. STNK (vehicle registration): the original, not a photocopy. Make sure the plate number matches the vehicle you are riding or driving.
3. KTP for Indonesian citizens, or your passport for foreign visitors.
4. IDP (International Driving Permit) for foreign visitors, carried together with your home-country licence.

Holders of an international licence must carry their home-country licence together with an IDP. Validity and requirements for the IDP are set by the government and may change, so check the latest information from your embassy or an official agency.

Quick Document Table

What to Do When Stopped by Police

• Stay calm, pull over somewhere safe, and switch off the engine.
• Have your documents ready in hand so you do not hold up the queue.
• Ask for and keep an official ticket (bukti tilang) from the officer; do not hand over original documents without a record.
• If you doubt the amount of a fine, ask what the offence is and request the official payment method through the channels the police specify.

Often Overlooked

• Helmet: make sure a SNI-certified helmet is worn and the strap is fastened. Every SiapPergi scooter comes with 2 helmets free of charge.
• Lights and equipment: check the front and rear lights before setting off.
• Minimum age: 17 years old for a scooter.
• Original vs photocopy: police usually ask for originals. Keep photos on your phone as a backup, but do not treat them as a replacement.

Specifically for Foreign Visitors

Foreign visitors should carry their home-country licence, an IDP with the motorcycle or car category, their passport, and a copy of their visa. Make sure the IDP is still valid. Because visa and IDP requirements are set by immigration and the government, confirm them again before you travel.

See also our scooter rental guide for Bali and how to book if this is your first time renting.

How SiapPergi Helps

SiapPergi rents scooters and cars across mainland Bali, with fixed catalogue prices from Rp70.000 per day for scooters and Rp310.000 per day for cars. Vehicles are delivered straight to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport at no delivery fee. There is no deposit, your passport or ID is not held, and you pay in Rupiah when the vehicle arrives. Every vehicle comes with its STNK and official plates, and tyres, brakes, lights and oil are checked before each rental. Book on WhatsApp at +6281808001102 (07.00–23.00 WITA).

If you are ready to book, you can browse car rental in Bali or scooter rental in Canggu depending on your route.