Planning to Rent a Scooter in Bali? Here’s How to Avoid Police Trouble

If you’re planning to visit Bali, there’s a good chance you’ll want to rent a scooter to get around.

There are some important rules to follow when you go to rent a scooter in Bali. You must have an IDR, wear a helmet, and the exhaust system must be quiet, as well as a few other items, which I will get into later in the post.

I saw many police checkpoints during my one-month stay in Bali. Each of those tourists received a fine for not wearing a helmet 100% of the time.

Here are the three rules, along with some tips to help you stay out of legal trouble and avoid ruining your vacation with a hefty fine or worse.

#1 You Must Have an International Driver’s License

You cannot legally ride a scooter in Bali without an international driver’s license.

Even if you rented scooters in Thailand or Vietnam before without one, you need one in Bali.

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement that matches the engine size of the scooter.

Without it, you risk getting stopped by the police and slapped with a fine, or your scooter being impounded.

As quoted by The Bali Sun, “Foreigners without the correct license are technically driving illegally and face legal consequences.”

I am from the United States and purchased my IDP at a local AAA office in America. The total cost is approximately $40 for a one-year license. It is valid in 100 countries and includes two ID photos, which are taken on-site.

#2 Always Wear a Helmet (Even if Locals Don’t)

You’ll see plenty of people riding around with no helmets. Don’t follow their lead. Wearing a helmet is not just for your safety, it’s the law.

Accidents happen all the time in Bali. The roads are chaotic, filled with cars, buses, and way too many scooters.

Keep your helmet on, buckle it properly, and set an example for others. Your brain will thank you later.

#3 No Loud Scooters, Please!!

I can’t even tell you how many times I was woken up in the middle of the night due to extremely loud bikes racing down the street. It’s one of the many reasons I will not return to Canggu.

Loud scooters attract unwanted attention from both police and locals. It can also lead to fines. It is your responsibility to check the exhaust noise level before leaving the scooter rental shop.

Stick to a regular scooter rental in Bali that runs quietly and gets you from point A to B without turning heads.

#4 Keep Your Bags Secure

This is not a legal law, however, it is frowned upon, and I did see one woman get stopped by police and told to put the bag in her seat.

You will see people riding with their backpacks or handbags hanging off the handlebars. This is a big no-no. Loose bags are an open invitation for snatch-and-grab thieves.

Instead, wear your bag securely on your back or lock it in the under-seat storage if it fits. Never hang it from the front of the scooter where someone can easily swipe it while you’re stopped in traffic.

Traffic Enforcement and Fines

You’ll often find police checkpoints in tourist-heavy areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud.

Their goal is to reduce traffic chaos and make the roads safer for everyone. Make sure you have your license, wear a helmet, and follow local traffic rules.

Here are the fines for each rule:

Riding without a helmet: Both the rider and passenger must wear helmets. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 250,000 IDR ($15 USD) or imprisonment for up to one month.

Driving without a valid license: Operating a scooter without an appropriate international driving permit or Indonesian license can lead to a fine of up to 1,000,000 IDR ($60 USD)or imprisonment for up to four months.

Modified or loud exhaust systems: Using scooters with non-standard exhausts that produce excessive noise can attract police attention and fines, as they disturb public order.

Carrying unsecured bags: While not directly fined, carrying bags loosely can make you a target for theft, leading to potential accidents and subsequent penalties.

Understanding the Fine Payment Process

In Indonesia, the official procedure for traffic violations involves the issuance of a ticket, which comes in two forms:

Blue Slip (Surat Tilang Biru): Indicates that you acknowledge the violation. You are required to pay the fine at a designated bank, such as BRI, and then present the payment receipt to retrieve your documents.

Red Slip (Surat Tilang Merah): Signifies that you contest the violation. You will need to attend a court hearing on a specified date. If found guilty, the court will determine the fine amount, which you pay before reclaiming your documents.

It’s important to note that as of October 2022, Indonesian traffic police are prohibited from collecting fines on the spot. All fines must be processed through the electronic system (ELTE), and payments are made via bank transfers or designated payment channels.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Bali?

In all of Indonesia, they drive on the left-hand side of the road.

That means the left lane is the slow lane, and you pass on the right. If you’re from the U.S. or Europe, this might feel strange at first, but you’ll adjust quickly with a little practice.

Also, here are a few quick rules to remember when riding scooters in Bali:

• Use your turn signals—locals expect you to signal before turning or changing lanes.
• Don’t use your phone while riding unless you’ve fully stopped.
• Slow down at intersections, even if you think you have the right of way.
• Use your horn lightly to signal that you’re passing or to make other drivers aware of you.

Expect traffic to be unpredictable. Cars, scooters, pedestrians, and even dogs often share the same road space. Stay alert, stay patient, and keep your hands on both handlebars at all times.

How to Get Around Without Renting a Scooter in Bali

Renting a scooter in Bali isn’t for everyone. I get it. If the thought of navigating Bali’s crazy roads makes you nervous, there are other options.

You can always book a Grab or Gojek ride using their apps—both offer car and scooter taxi services.

Or hire a private driver to get you around the island. My driver’s name was Edi (WhatsApp is +62 (881- 0371-99710).

Check out my recent guide on the best beach clubs in Canggu for tips on how to enjoy getting to them stress-free.

Final Thoughts on Scooter Rental in Bali

Scooter rental in Bali can be affordable, and it gives you the freedom to explore hidden spots.

But it comes with responsibility and a ton of traffic. You need the right license, a good helmet, and common sense when you’re on the road.

Whether you’re renting scooters in Bali for the first time or you’re a seasoned rider, follow these rules to stay safe and legal.

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