In Indonesia, roads around the cities are usually of good quality and well signed and marked. Rural road conditions are generally poor and many roads are narrow. Most rural roads have two lanes, but do not have road markings and lights. Road traffic signs are sometimes written in English and Indonesian languages, but often only in Indonesian. Toll roads are only in urban areas.
Foreign visitors may drive with their International driving permits if they are accompanied by their original driver licences. It is permitted to drive with International driving permits for one year after arriving to Indonesia. It is recommended that visitors obtain International driving permits before arriving to Indonesia.

The main Indonesian road traffic rules:

  • Traffic flows on the left side of the road.
  • The minimum age for driving in Indonesia is 17 years.
  • It is obligatory to have a sticker on the car which displays the country's initials.
  • Any foreign driver must always carry his International driving permit accompanied by an original driver licenses, passport, and vehicle registration or rental papers.
  • Front seats must have seat belts.
  • Helmets are required for motorcycle drivers and passengers.
  • Motorcycles are limited to one driver and one passenger.
  • Basic liability or third party insurance is required for all vehicles.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is not permitted.
  • Each vehicle must have safety belts for a driver and front seat passengers; warning road triangle; fluorescent safety jacket; first aid kit; fire extinguisher; spare tire; jack and tire iron.
  • The speed limits are: in built-up areas - 50 km/h; on highways – 100 km/h for motorbikes and cars and 60 to 80 km/h for trucks; on roads – 80 km/h.
  • In Indonesia, it is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • Police phone number is 110.

Some additional advices:

  • It is recommended to have in a vehicle a set of spare light bulbs and a tow rope.
  • Be careful, Indonesian drivers can use the road shoulders as lanes for passing.
  • It is not recommended to drive at night since vehicles may not display lights and trucks have wrongly coloured front lights.
  • Parking is normally permitted in marked parking bays.

Indonesian Traffic Signs

 Driving Overseas - Short Information