In recent weeks, traffic safety has remained a top priority in Badung, Bali, where local police continue to reinforce helmet use and traffic compliance among both local and foreign road users.
The enforcement comes in the wake of a targeted operation that began earlier this year and reflects ongoing efforts to curb risky behavior on the roads.
The latest push follows a series of inspections in April and May, during which 30 foreign nationals and 20 Indonesian citizens were ticketed in Pererenan, Mengwi. The majority of violations involved riders not wearing helmets, a recurring issue attributed to misconceptions about enforcement norms in areas like Canggu.
Failed to Meet Safety Standards
Head of Badung Traffic Police, AKP I Wayan Sugianta, explained that the violations were observed during routine patrols extending into the night.
Many foreign riders reportedly admitted to not wearing helmets due to the short distance of their trips or a belief that such behavior is commonly tolerated in the Canggu area.
“Most of them said they didn’t wear helmets because the distance was short. They also claimed that not wearing a helmet in Canggu is seen as normal, so they ended up violating the law,” Sugianta said in May 2025 as reported by DetikBali.
Officers also found several rental motorcycles without license plates and some with modified exhausts that failed to meet noise and safety standards.
“We will gather all rental business owners and urge them to advise renters—whether foreign or local—to follow traffic rules, wear helmets, and check the renter’s documents, especially their driving licenses,” he added.
Badung Police Chief, M Arif Batubara noted that the operation took place on the night of Thursday (May 1, 2025) in Pererenan, resulting in 35 motorcycles and 14 vehicle registration documents being seized.
“The motorcycles were impounded and can only be released after a court hearing, provided that all legal requirements are fulfilled and there are no further violations,” Arif stated.
Public Awareness Efforts
A month earlier, on Friday (April 25, 2025), authorities conducted another operation in the areas of Padonan-Brawa, Semer, and Batu Belig intersections in North Kuta District. Led by AKP Sugianta, this operation specifically targeted traffic violations by international tourists.
Several foreign nationals were cited for riding without helmets, and police also stopped some online motorcycle taxi drivers who were transporting foreign passengers without proper safety gear. During this operation, officers seized six vehicle registrations and two driving licenses.
“These intensified routine patrols aim to ensure traffic order, especially in tourist areas. We are enforcing the rules because we’ve seen many visible violations that could lead to accidents,” Sugianta said.
The most common violations included riding without a helmet, carrying more than one passenger, and using noisy aftermarket exhausts. Police have continued to educate rental operators and online drivers to ensure their clients adhere to basic traffic safety measures.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
Around Mid May 2025, another 12 foreign nationals were apprehended for riding large motorcycles with loud, non-standard exhausts in the Mengwi and North Kuta areas.
The impounded vehicles and related documents are being held until the offenders complete their court proceedings. In an earlier sweep in Tiying Tutul and Jalan Raya Anggungan, police detained 81 violators and seized 56 motorcycles.
“The impounded motorcycles will remain in our custody until the court process is completed. Only then will they be returned to their owners,” said AKP Sugianta, as quoted from BaliPost.
These enforcement actions are part of the Badung Police’s continued efforts to improve road safety and order in tourist-heavy areas.
With more foreign nationals riding motorcycles in Bali, rental business owners are urged to be more selective with renters, ensure they have a valid driving license, and verify their knowledge of Indonesian traffic laws.
Public awareness and cooperation are key to creating safer roads for both locals and visitors alike.
Sources: BaliPost, DetikBali
Feat Image: Frekuensi Media Bali