Speed limits are in place for the country’s roads assurance of safety and orderly traffic flow over the diverse road network. Of the most notable speed limits are 50 km/h in cities for cars and 40 km/h for motorbikes, 80 km/h for cars and 60 km/h for bikes on rural roads. Cars on toll roads have a 100 km/h speed limit. Violators will pay fines of as much as IDR 2,000,000. Compliance reduces accident rates, eases traffic conditions, and lower emissions. Drivers must pay attention, note signs, and adjust speed conditions.
Also read: Top 5 Must-Have Car Mobile Applications for Indonesian Drivers
Speeding isn’t freedom; it’s recklessness. Drive within limits to protect lives.
Vineet Goyal (Co-Founder & CEO, Autoini)
General Speed Limits in Indonesia
Indonesia enforces speed limits based on the type of road and the geographical location. Below are the common speed regulations:
| Road Type | Speed Limit for Cars | Speed Limit for Bikes |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas | Up to 50 km/h | Up to 40 km/h |
| Non-Urban Roads | Up to 80 km/h | Up to 60 km/h |
| Expressways (Toll Roads) | 60–100 km/h | Up to 80 km/h (where permitted) |
| School Zones | Up to 30 km/h | Up to 30 km/h |
| Residential Areas | Up to 30 km/h | Up to 30 km/h |
Special Speed Regulations
Toll Road Speeds
For toll roads, speed limits are strictly enforced, and over speeding can lead to fines or suspension of toll access. Variable speed limits might also apply during bad weather, heavy traffic, or construction work.
Motorbike Restrictions
In some expressways, motorbikes are entirely prohibited. On permitted routes, speed limits may differ and are generally more restrictive compared to cars.
Buses and trucks have different speed restrictions based on their size and load.
Commercial and Heavy Vehicles
- Maximum speed: 70 km/h on highways.
- Reduced speeds in urban areas for safety.
Enforcement of Speed Limits
Indonesian authorities actively enforce speed limits through various measures:
Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE)
- Speed cameras are installed in urban areas, on highways, and near accident-prone zones to monitor compliance.
- Violators are identified via automatic license plate recognition systems, and fines are issued electronically.
Traffic Patrols
- Mobile traffic patrol units are deployed to enforce speed limits on intercity roads and toll routes.
- Officers conduct spot checks to ensure adherence to regulations.
Fines for Overspeeding
The penalties imposed for violating the speed limits of Indonesia are divided into two parts, depending on the degree of violation:
- Less serious violations such as exceeding up to 10 km/h; fines up to IDR 500,000
- Serious violation such as over speeding by more than 20 km/h; fines up to IDR 2,000,000 or license suspension.
Why Speed Limits Matter in Indonesia
Indonesia’s roads are varied, ranging from congested city roads to scenic rural roads and high-speed expressways. Following the speed limits ensures:
- Accident Reduction: Controlled speeds significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of road accidents.
- Pedestrian Safety: Lower speeds in urban and residential areas protect pedestrians and cyclists.
- Traffic Flow: Uniform speed ensures smoother traffic movement, especially during rush hours.
- Environmental Impact: Maintaining regulated speeds helps in reducing vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
Also read: How to Avoid Traffic Jam in Indonesia
Challenges in Speed Regulation
Diverse Road Conditions
Indonesia’s roads range from well-maintained expressways to underdeveloped rural routes, making consistent speed regulations difficult to implement.
Driver Awareness
Many drivers and motorcyclists lack awareness of the exact speed limits, leading to unintentional violations.
Enforcement Gaps
In rural and remote areas, the lack of speed cameras and patrols often results in lax compliance.
How to Stay Safe on Indonesian Roads
Here are some tips to ensure compliance with speed regulations and promote road safety:
- Know the Speed Limits: All drivers should familiarize themselves with speed limits for driving in specific areas.
- Use GPS and Navigation Tools: Modern GPS systems make known the exact indicated limits for drivers to not exceed them.
- Observe posted road signs: paying attention to the minimum limit tagged on speeds set at school and residential zones.
- Avoid Tailgating: Maintain an appropriate distance from the car ahead, especially when driving on highways.
- Adjust for Conditions: Slow down in bad weather, heavy traffic, or poor visibility.
Also read: Automotive Safety Standards and Regulations in Indonesia
Why speed limit is important in Indonesia
The speed limits on the roads in Indonesia for both cars and motorbikes maintain order and ensure safety on various roads. Being that the set rules are backed by enforcement mechanisms, no road user is an exception to observing the rules.
For the residents and visitors, knowing what speed limit applies in Indonesia makes them avoid violation of those laws and therefore achieves good road safety measures without punishment. As infrastructures evolve, such regulations play an important role in creating a safer and more efficient transportation system in Indonesia.