Police in Bali. What actions on the road will definitely attract their attention?
Sometimes it seems like there are no traffic rules in Bali and no one cares about the situation on the road, but in fact, this is not true. Police officers are keenly watching for violators and are ready to punish them immediately. Recently, traffic cameras have also been monitoring violations, and fines are sent directly to the motorcycle owners. Police officers can also record violations on their phones using a special app. Of course, the video can later be used as evidence of your guilt.
Main violations:
1. Riding without a helmet. The most noticeable violation. A person without a helmet will be stopped first. Moreover, there is nothing good in riding without head protection, the Balinese asphalt, although heavenly, is as hard as in your country. Wear a helmet and protect yourself from fines and injuries.
Fine 250,000 rupiah or imprisonment for up to 1 month.
2. Riding without a license. The first thing an officer will ask you for is your driver's license. International documents of the appropriate category will be required. Licenses obtained in other ASEAN countries, such as Thailand, are also acceptable. Of course, it's best to show the police a nice local card. The issue will immediately be resolved.
Fine 1 million rupiah or imprisonment for up to 4 months.
3. Running a red light. If an officer catches you doing this, naturally, you will be stopped, have an unpleasant conversation, and be fined.
Fine 500,000 rupiah or up to 2 months in jail.
4. Crossing the stop line - the police don't like this. You may simply be gestured back to your proper place, or you may be fined.
Fine 500,000 rupiah or up to 2 months in jail.
5. Carrying two or more passengers. Yes, despite the fact that Balinese themselves often do this, and you can often see whole villages riding on a bike, it is prohibited. The police might let local residents go, but they will definitely stop you. If you need to transport more people, just use apps like Gojek or Grab. Moto-taxis on the island are very affordable.
Fine 250,000 rupiah or up to 1 month in jail.
6. Riding without a shirt. Although not an official violation, it contradicts local culture. An officer may stop you for this and lecture you about respecting traditions and behavior in public places, and then, of course, ask for your license. Not the best way to spend your time.
There are also penalties for what happens on every Indonesian road every second. If only the police could monitor all of them. Still, in rare cases, an officer might punish you for these violations:
Riding without a license plate, fine 500,000 rupiah.
Violating maximum and minimum speed limits, fine 500,000 rupiah.
Riding a modified bike (silencers, strange horn sounds, etc.) or a bike without mirrors is fined 250,000 rupiah.
Riding without STNK - 500,000 rupiah.
Riding without headlights during the day - 100,000 rupiah.
Riding without lights at night - 250,000 rupiah.
Not using turn signals - 250,000 rupiah.
Speeding - 500,000 rupiah.
Dmitry, expert BaliMotion.pro:
Can foreigners be sent to jail for violations?
Answer: One can end up in jail for a serious accident, but it has not happened for ordinary violations.
What's the most curious fine you can recall in Bali?
Answer: A person was fined 500,000 rupiah through court for driving shirtless, and during covid, for riding without a mask and shirt, they could be made to do push-ups.
What to do if a police officer wants a bribe or threatens to impound your bike, given that payment on the spot is prohibited?
Answer: If a cop wants a bribe, you've violated something. For example, riding without a helmet, possibly without a license as well. I don't recall cases where someone was stopped without any violations. You can only negotiate on the spot. Impounding the bike is a precautionary measure to ensure you come to court in 20 days. Only the court issues fines and determines the amount. The police issue a violation notice. They can also take your passport or license instead of the bike.
What is the official procedure for issuing a fine?
Answer: The police issue a violation notice. The fine is paid at court. Until payment, what was taken as collateral will remain in pledge.
Where and how to pay fines, or should rentals handle it? What does BaliMotion do in such cases?
Answer: We usually ask to negotiate on the spot, as we are not responsible for these violations. Sometimes there are raids where no one will take money because they are exemplary penalties. In such cases, we need a receipt. The fine amounts are known. We ask the client to pay us this amount, and we then pay the fine in court and retrieve the bike from the impound lot.
What about fines for drunk driving? Are there checks?
Answer: It is a bad idea to violate and get into an accident while intoxicated. In this case, the punishment will be significantly harsher, especially if someone is harmed because of you.
Of course, traffic rules are designed to make road travel safer, not to take money from you. With some adaptation to Balinese reality, following them is beneficial for your health, not just to avoid being stopped by the police. Naturally, it's important that the bike itself is in good technical condition and allows you to follow these rules. Bikes fully ready for adventures can be found at Balimotion.
