NEW ROAD RULES

Primarily aimed at motorbike riders, & effective April 1, 2010 comprehensive new national traffic safety laws  came into effect. A sampling of some of the rules to be enforced and the fines that can be imposed for violations include:

• Missing technical and safety equipment (e.g. side mirror, lamps,) Rp. 250,000

• Violation of posted road rules Rp. 500,000

• Inability to present a valid driving license Rp. 500,000

• Failure to hold a valid driving license Rp. 1,000,000

• Not wearing a certified helmet while operating a motorcycle Rp. 250,000

• Driving during daylight hours without lights illuminated Rp. 100,000

• Failing to concentrate on driving by doing another activity (e.g. using hand phone) Rp. 750,000

• Turning or changing lanes without using a turn signal Rp.250,000

The new traffic rules also provide for prison sentences of 1 year or fines of Rp. 3 million for people convicted of reckless driving. If reckless driving results in an accident, the fine level increases to Rp. 24 million and/or a prison term of 4-12 years.