How likely are police stops for scooter and car drivers in Bali, and what commonly triggers a check?

Police stops are said to be infrequent, but checks can still happen. The most commonly mentioned reasons for being stopped are not wearing a helmet and riding shirtless; this applies to both the driver and passenger.

One recent report described a week of driving on a local road without seeing any police. This is only one experience, so the exact frequency of checks is unpredictable.

To reduce the chance of a stop, both people on the vehicle should wear helmets and appropriate clothing. Riding shirtless or wearing only swimwear without a cover-up may be viewed as disrespectful to local culture and attract police attention.