Sooner or later, anyone on a bike in Bali will have to meet with the local police. If you don’t behave provocatively on the road, follow at least the basic traffic rules, and know a few tricks, you don’t need to fear the traffic officers. BaliMotion has prepared a guide for beginner bikers.
There are almost no police checkpoints targeting tourists in Bali now. Raids, which could close off an entire road like Sunset Road to check every foreigner's license, have become rarer since COVID. However, blatant violations are still not forgiven by traffic inspectors.
So, what can you be stopped for:
⚠️ Not wearing a helmet (even for the passenger)
This is the main reason for all issues with the police. In 99% of the cases, a foreigner is stopped because of a 'bare' head. After that, the questioning about documents and other issues begins as a bonus.
⚠️ More than two people on a bike
Don’t be fooled by the locals who travel on a single scooter with the whole village. The police’s attention is primarily drawn to the violations by foreigners, unfair as it may seem.
⚠️ Crossing the stop line at an intersection
For some reason, this violation causes particular fury among Balinese traffic inspectors. We don't know why. Just don’t cross the stop line.
If the reason for the stop was one of these violations, be prepared to part with some money. How much depends on your negotiating skills and knowledge of a few life hacks. So, the Polisi officer is in front of you, taking out the ignition key and inviting you to accompany him...
🔹 Don’t panic. No one is putting you in jail. The worst case is you’ll have to walk home, and the rental will pick up the bike later.
🔹 Be polite. Don’t confuse the police officer with a waiter in a cafe (though you should also treat them humanely). Your communication will determine the amount you agree on—official or not.
🔹 Don’t show all your money and cards. Use a special 'surfer’s wallet' with a maximum of 200k rupiahs in small notes and some coins. Inspectors usually try to take as much as they see.
🔹 Don’t offer a bribe first. It's better to wait until it is suggested to you. The conversation usually begins with checking your license. If you have one (international or Balinese), the amount will be lower.
Expert BaliMotion: officers often show a table of fines. No license—1 million rupiahs, no helmet—another 250k. Officially, the amount can be 1,250,000 rupiahs. But... you could get away with 200k. Some say even 60–70k in coins can solve the problem. It’s up to you to believe it or not, but do not anger the police.
Haggling is fine. Being rude and mocking is not. And that's when your 'surfer’s wallet' comes in handy again. If the police see you’ve given all you have, you can settle on a quite reasonable amount.
In general, the best encounter with the police is the one that never happens.
So follow simple rules, drive carefully, don't attract unnecessary attention, and enjoy your trips around the island without 'roadside meetings.'
Learn more and rent a car or bike on our website 👉 Balimotion.pro
▪️Telegram @Balimotion
▪️WhatsApp +62 819 624 412
You can add one right now!