Bali Scooter Ban for Tourists: What’s Actually Happening in 2026
Since 2023, headlines about a “Bali scooter ban for tourists” have popped up every few months, and every time they do, our inbox fills with the same question: can I still rent a scooter in Bali? Here’s a clear, no-drama explanation of what was proposed, what is actually enforced on the road, and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
The short answer
At the time of writing, tourists can still rent and ride scooters in Bali — as long as they are properly licensed. What has changed is enforcement: police checkpoints in tourist areas focus heavily on foreigners riding without a valid motorcycle licence, without a helmet, or misbehaving on the road. Rules in Bali can change quickly, so check the latest status before you travel — our sister site keeps an up-to-date summary (in Indonesian): Bali scooter rental rules 2026.
Where the “ban” story came from
In March 2023, after a string of viral videos of tourists riding dangerously, without helmets or without licences, the Governor of Bali publicly proposed stopping foreign tourists from renting motorbikes and encouraging them to use registered travel agencies and transport instead. The proposal made international news. In practice, the response on the ground has been a crackdown on unlicensed and reckless riding rather than a blanket ban that stops licensed visitors from renting.
What is enforced today
- A valid licence. Your home licence must cover motorcycles, plus an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle (A) category — or an Indonesian SIM C. See licence requirements.
- Helmets for rider and passenger, strapped on.
- STNK — the bike’s registration document — must be with the bike.
- Behaviour. Riding shirtless or in swimwear on main roads, dangerous riding, and overloading a scooter attract attention and, increasingly, fines or worse.
Fines are set by Indonesian traffic law (Law 22/2009): riding without a licence can mean a fine of up to IDR 1 million, not carrying your licence or STNK up to IDR 250–500k, and no helmet up to IDR 250k. Our guide to police checkpoints and fines explains how a stop works.
How to rent legally in 2026
- Get your IDP before you fly. It must show the motorcycle category. How to get one from Australia, the UK, the US and the EU: IDP for Bali.
- Rent from a real business with a written price, a registered bike and an STNK under the seat.
- Wear the helmet — and make sure your passenger does too.
- Carry everything on every ride: licence, IDP, STNK, and a photo of your passport.
Staying long-term?
If you live in Bali on a KITAS or stay for months, an Indonesian SIM C is the cleanest option. It’s more paperwork but removes any doubt at checkpoints — see getting a SIM C as a foreigner.
No motorcycle licence? You still have options
If your licence doesn’t cover motorbikes, don’t gamble with a scooter. Grab and Gojek are cheap for short trips, and a car with driver is great value for day trips — see car rental with driver. If you hold a car licence, a self-drive car with an IDP is another route. And read riding without a licence in Bali to understand what’s really at stake.
Booking a scooter the safe way
Licensed and ready to ride? The SiapPergi scooter catalogue (same team as this site) delivers registered bikes with STNK, two helmets and a raincoat to your hotel or villa, with no deposit up front — you pay after checking the bike.
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Has Bali banned tourists from renting scooters?
At the time of writing, no blanket ban is enforced for licensed tourists. A ban was proposed in 2023; since then the focus has been on enforcing licences, helmets and behaviour. Check the latest status before you travel.
Can foreigners legally ride a scooter in Bali?
Yes, with a valid licence for motorcycles: a home licence plus an International Driving Permit showing the motorcycle category, or an Indonesian SIM C.
What happens if a tourist rides without a licence in Bali?
You can be fined at a police checkpoint (up to IDR 1 million under traffic law), and your travel insurance is unlikely to cover an accident.
Where can I find the latest Bali scooter rules?
Our sister site SiapPergi keeps an updated article on Bali scooter rental rules, and local news reports any new regulation from the provincial government.