Kuta – Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations for international travelers, and renting a scooter or car can seem like an easy way to explore the island. However, foreign tourists who choose to drive need to understand that Indonesian traffic rules still apply, including requirements covering driving licenses, helmets, vehicle capacity and legal rental services.
Bali has also introduced specific guidelines for foreign tourists through Circular Letter Number 7 of 2025, issued by Governor Wayan Koster. The guidelines specifically address how foreign visitors should behave while driving on the island, including the requirement to have a valid international or national driving license, wear a helmet on motorcycles and follow traffic signs.
For travelers planning to rent a scooter or car, these are some of the most important rules to understand before getting behind the wheel.
1. Have a Valid Driving License
Foreign tourists driving in Bali are expected to have a valid international or national driver’s license. This is one of the requirements explicitly listed in Bali’s 2025 guidelines for foreign tourists.
Tourists should not assume that simply having a driving license issued in their home country automatically satisfies every requirement in Indonesia. The type of license should also correspond to the vehicle being driven.
This is particularly important for tourists renting motorcycles. Having a license that only authorizes someone to drive a car does not necessarily mean they are legally authorized to operate a motorcycle.
2. Always Wear a Helmet on a Motorcycle
Anyone riding a motorcycle in Bali should wear a helmet.
The Bali government’s guidelines specifically require foreign tourists to wear helmets when riding motorcycles. This is especially important because scooters are one of the most common rental vehicles used by visitors exploring the island.
Tourists should also make sure the helmet is properly secured rather than simply carrying one on the motorcycle or wearing it loosely.
3. Follow Traffic Signs and Road Rules
Foreign visitors are expected to follow Indonesian traffic regulations and road signs while driving in Bali.
This can be particularly important for first-time visitors because road conditions in Bali can be very different from those in their home countries. Roads may become heavily congested around tourist areas, while smaller roads can be narrow and crowded with motorcycles.
The official Bali guidelines specifically instruct foreign tourists to obey traffic signs and avoid overloading vehicles.
Understanding local road signs before starting a rental trip can therefore make a significant difference.
4. Do Not Overload the Vehicle
Tourists should never carry more passengers or cargo than the vehicle is designed to accommodate.
Bali’s foreign-tourist guidelines explicitly include a requirement not to overload vehicles.
For scooter users, this is particularly relevant. A motorcycle should not be treated as a vehicle capable of carrying an unlimited number of people simply because it can physically move with additional weight.
Overloading can affect braking, acceleration, steering and overall stability, especially on Bali’s winding or uneven roads.
5. Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Bali’s rules explicitly prohibit foreign tourists from driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
This is an important consideration in a destination known for its nightlife and beach tourism.
The safest approach is simple: if you have been drinking, do not ride a scooter or drive a car. Use a licensed transportation service or arrange another way to return to your accommodation.
6. Use Legal Rental and Transportation Services
Foreign tourists are also instructed to use legal transportation services.
Bali’s guidelines state that visitors should use licensed car rentals or transportation services rather than informal or unlicensed operators.
For tourists renting a vehicle, this means it is worth checking whether the rental company operates legally before handing over a passport, deposit or payment.
A legitimate rental provider should also be able to explain what documentation is required to operate the vehicle.
7. Don’t Assume a Rental Company Makes You Legal
One common mistake is assuming that because a rental company hands over a motorcycle, the customer is automatically authorized to ride it.
That is not how driving requirements work.
The responsibility for having the appropriate driving credentials remains important even when the vehicle is rented. A rental agreement does not replace a driving license.
This is why tourists should sort out their driving documentation before collecting the vehicle rather than relying on the rental company to determine whether they are legally permitted to ride.
8. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Experience
Bali’s roads can be challenging even for experienced riders.
Tourists who are unfamiliar with motorcycles, left-side traffic or crowded urban roads should think carefully before renting a scooter simply because it is inexpensive and convenient.
Road conditions can change quickly between popular tourist areas and rural parts of the island. Traffic can also become unpredictable around intersections, markets, temples and other busy locations.
A car with a professional driver can sometimes be a more appropriate option for visitors who are not comfortable riding a motorcycle in these conditions.
9. Remember That Bali Has Specific Rules for Foreign Tourists
Bali’s Circular Letter Number 7 of 2025 goes beyond traffic regulations. It establishes broader guidelines for foreign visitors covering areas such as cultural respect, accommodation, licensed tour guides and transportation.
For driving specifically, the key requirements are clear: have a valid international or national driving license, wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, obey traffic signs, avoid overloading vehicles and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Foreign tourists are also directed to use legal transportation services.
The rules are part of Bali’s wider effort to manage tourism while ensuring visitors respect local regulations.
What Foreign Tourists Should Check Before Renting
Before collecting a scooter or car in Bali, visitors should check a few basic things:
- Whether their driving license is valid for the vehicle they intend to drive
- Whether they have the appropriate international or national driving documentation
- Whether the rental company is legally operating
- Whether the motorcycle comes with a suitable helmet
- Whether the vehicle is appropriate for the number of passengers
- Whether they understand the basic traffic rules and road conditions
- Whether they are fit to drive and have not consumed alcohol or drugs
These checks take only a few minutes but can prevent much bigger problems during a holiday.
For foreign tourists, renting a scooter or car can provide flexibility and freedom to explore Bali. But that freedom comes with responsibilities. Understanding the local driving requirements before starting the engine is not only about avoiding penalties — it can also make the difference between a smooth holiday and a dangerous situation on the road.
Bali’s latest foreign-tourist guidelines make the basic expectation clear: visitors are welcome to explore the island, but they are expected to follow Indonesian traffic laws and use transportation responsibly.