Rules of the road Bali Style!

Rule number one - discard the Highway Code it does not apply here. The traffic is an organised chaos. It looks daunting when you first arrive but amazingly with 100's of moped on the road it run pretty smoothly.

2. There is no speed limit but going slow is not an option.

3. The more people on a moped the safer they seem to think it is. A family of 5 including a new born baby, on one moped is a common sight.

4. Traffic blocked up at a junction, no problem just create your own lane including using the grassy verges

5. When wearing traditional dress ladies must ride side saddle

6. When in traditional dress no helmets are required, the gods protect you.

7. At all other times only the driver must wear a helmet. Helmets are optional for all other passengers.

8. The horn is an essential piece of equipment & must be sounded at 1 minute intervals.

9. Never think someone is flashing their lights to give way, they are telling you to get out of the way pronto

10. The carrying of equipment on a moped is also a must, outboard motors, lawn mowers, huge flat screen tv's with of course the entire family also on board!

11. No need to look prior to pulling out at a junction, just hope the gods are looking after you & the traffic will stop

12. Do not give way to anyone on the road. Slightly concerning when used in conjunction with number 11.

13. No age requirement to ride a scooter.

14. If you are Western do not stop at the scene of an accident you are not involved in. You will find yourself implicated in the accident & hit up for the hospital bills of the injured person.

15. Do not let your front wheels touch or go over the stop line at a junction. The police love to fine you for this or rather hit you up for a bribe.

16. Do not stop for a policeman that is waving you down. Wave back & pretend you thought he was waving at you. They see a Western face & know they are going to be able to line their pockets.

17. Overtaking maybe done in any lane & undertaking is preferable

18. Oneway streets do not apply to mopeds & they should also feel free to use the pavement

19. Lights on mopeds are voluntary

20. There is no suck thing as a driving test!!!

Despite all that I'm enjoying driving about Bali in my little jeep. No major problems other than bartering with the police for my "non official fines" & stopping for a scooter accident. The riders big toe was ripped off. Unfortunately the people around me who didn't see the accident thought I was involved & I had to leave before things got difficult.

All in all very simular to driving in London!! ; )