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Bali is planning to impose a ban to stop foreign visitors from using motorbikes after a series of cases involving tourists breaking traffic laws, Kompas reported.

"If you are a tourist, behave as a tourist. As a tourist, use the vehicle provided by the travel agent. Don't ride a motorcycle without a shirt, not wearing clothes, not wearing a helmet, and on top of that, without even a driver's license," Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on Sunday (Mar. 12). 

Koster said the ban will be implemented starting this year.

Tourists to use cars provided by travel agents

The proposal intends to ensure a good quality of tourism in Bali, crucial for the island which is slowly recovering from Covid-19 losses.

"Why now? Because we are currently tidying up. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was impossible to [implement such rules] because there were no tourists, [but] now we are starting to organise it," Koster said.

From late February to early March, more than 171 foreign nationals violated traffic rules in Bali.

These include reckless driving, not wearing helmets, or even using fake license plates.

Use vehicles provided by travel agents

Foreign tourists who wish to drive must use vehicles provided by tourist agencies or travel agents, once the ban kicks in.

"So tourists have to use vehicles from travel agents. They are not allowed to use motorcycles that are not from travel agents."

The provincial government of Bali will step up monitoring foreigners at three different locations; Badung Regency, Denpasar and Gianyar Regency to prevent disorder.

Koster said these three areas are places foreigners would often reside.

He encouraged the Balinese people to report foreign tourists who violated the law, insulted Balinese culture and people, or behaved inappropriately, to the police.

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Top image via Artem Beliaikin/Unsplash.