Bali Enforces International Driving License for Tourists
If you want to drive a motorcycle or car in Bali you now need to carry an International Drivers License
Do you need an international driver’s license for Bali?
Tourists renting a car or motorcycle in Bali, Indonesia must have a valid international driving license (IDL), otherwise known as International Driving Permit (IDP). Tourists must also carry their home country drivers license.
You can get an International Drivers License online here
The head of Bali's Transportation Agency, Samsi Gunarta, said that the measure is intended to suppress the number of foreign tourists who drive dangerously and recklessly. Officials are also targeting motorcycle riders who ride without a helmet or without proper clothing, such as riding shirtless.
He added that “if they don’t have [a driver’s license] then they can’t [rent motorbikes].” This confirms that if you want to rent a motorcycle in Bali you will need to have an International Drivers License for that class of vehicle.
Driving without a license is an offense punishable by up to four months in prison or a fine of IDR1 million (US$67.84) under Indonesian traffic law.
Read our article, ‘What IDP is needed for Bali? The latest Bali driver laws require an International Drivers License Permit (IDP/IDL).
Governor Wayan Koster recently announced that foreign tourists would be banned from renting motorbikes altogether; however, no official regulations on the matter have been published by the island’s authorities yet. Specific regulations on foreigners renting motorbikes in Bali are still under discussion, as the government also wants to hear from agencies that provide rented motorbikes to tourists.
Furthermore, as a way to curb bad behavior, Bali is considering a tourist tax to deter disruptive and bad behaviour.
Samsi Gunarta emphasized that safety is their top priority, especially since some viral videos showed foreigners flouting traffic rules and disrespecting local culture while driving rented motorcycles. He said that "we have a problem with many foreign tourists only wearing bikinis while driving rented motorbikes and driving them without understanding how to drive."
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