If you Google this, you’ll find:
“You need an international license.”
That’s technically true.
But that doesn’t answer what people really want to know:
How strict are they in reality?
Let’s break it down properly.
What You Legally Need to Ride a Scooter in Bali
To ride a scooter legally in Indonesia, you need:
• A valid motorcycle license from your home country
• An International Driving Permit (IDP)
• A helmet
• Vehicle registration (STNK)
• Road tax paid
If you only have a car license — you are not legally covered for a scooter.
That’s the law.
Now let’s talk about reality.
Are There Police Checkpoints?
Yes. Frequently.
Especially in:
• Canggu
• Seminyak
• Uluwatu
• Near beach clubs
• During holidays
• Around Nyepi period
• Late at night
Police checkpoints are common in tourist-heavy areas.
They typically check:
• Helmet
• Driver’s license
• International permit
• Sometimes registration
What Happens If You Don’t Have an IDP?
If you don’t have an International Driving Permit, you can be fined.
Official fine:
Up to 1,000,000 IDR.
In practice:
Many people are fined on the spot (receipt issued).
The amount can vary.
Bribery used to be common years ago. It is much less tolerated now.
And honestly — not something you want to be involved in.
The Bigger Risk Nobody Talks About: Insurance
Here’s the part that matters more than the police fine.
If you crash without:
• A proper motorcycle license
• An IDP
• Helmet
Your travel insurance can refuse to pay.
And hospital bills in Bali are not small.
Serious accident?
You’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars.
Medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia?
Even more.
That’s the real financial risk — not the roadside fine.
How Strict Are They Really?
Short answer:
More strict than before.
Bali police have increased traffic enforcement over the past years.
There are more:
• Routine checkpoints
• Random inspections
• Night checks
• Social media monitoring
Especially because of:
• Rising accident numbers
• Tourist behavior complaints
• Pressure from central government
It’s not 2015 Bali anymore.
Do They Stop Every Tourist?
No.
But if you look like:
• No helmet
• No shirt
• Drunk
• Driving recklessly
• Obviously foreign and confused
You’re more likely to get stopped.
Driving calmly and properly reduces attention — but it doesn’t replace legal documents.
What If You Crash?
This is where things get serious.
If you cause an accident:
• You may be liable for damages
• You may need to pay hospital costs upfront
• Police reports are required
• Insurance may investigate license validity
If you injure a local person, it becomes much more complicated.
Indonesia treats traffic injuries seriously.
Should You Rent a Scooter Anyway?
That depends on your risk tolerance.
Pros:
• Cheapest way to get around
• Flexible
• Fast
Cons:
• High accident rate
• Chaotic traffic
• Real legal exposure
• Insurance issues
If you’re not experienced on a motorcycle — Bali is not the place to learn.
The Smart Advice
If you plan to ride:
• Get a proper motorcycle license at home
• Get an International Driving Permit
• Always wear a helmet
• Avoid driving drunk
• Keep rental documents
It costs very little to be properly covered.
And it can save you massive problems.
Final Reality Check
Police fines are annoying.
Hospital bills are devastating.
Choose which risk you prefer.
Bali feels relaxed — but traffic law enforcement is real.
