Delhi NCR: In a startling revelation that raises pressing concerns about the integrity of traffic management in the region, a recent survey conducted by Park+ Research Labs has found that 64% of car drivers in Delhi NCR admitted to paying bribes to evade fines. The survey, which sampled 600 car owners, sheds light on the pervasive culture of bribery and the challenges faced by law enforcement on the city’s congested roads.
Key Insights from the Park+ Survey: • Bribery Admissions: 64% of traffic offenders admitted to paying bribes to escape fines. • Primary Offenses: Jumping red lights (30.84%) and not wearing seatbelts (19.16%) emerged as the leading violations. • Legal Hurdles: 42.6% of offenders paid bribes to avoid what they perceived as lengthy and cumbersome legal procedures. • Fear Factor: 20% of the respondents confessed to paying bribes purely out of fear.
The survey further revealed a concerning trend regarding bribe amounts: • Smaller Bribes (Under ₹500): Accounted for 69.6% of all bribery cases. • High-Value Bribes (₹1,000 and Above): Made up 27.4% of the cases, indicating a growing trend of increased bribe demands.
Police demands were cited as a major contributing factor to bribery, with many motorists feeling pressured to offer money instead of contesting their violations legally. However, there was a glimmer of hope, as 31.17% of car owners acknowledged instances where officers refused to accept bribes and issued fines as per the law.
Traffic Woes in Delhi NCR: The Delhi NCR region is home to over 30 lakh vehicles, leading to daily traffic congestion, frequent violations, and heated disputes on the roads. Delhi Police reportedly receives over 200 calls each day related to vehicle-related altercations, such as parking disputes and minor crashes. The police have been actively issuing challans to errant drivers. Notably, over 4,500 challans were issued on New Year’s Eve 2025, and fines totaling ₹164 crore were levied in October-November 2024 for expired or missing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
The Road Ahead: Tackling Bribery and Ensuring Transparency The findings of the Park+ survey underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms aimed at curbing corruption and improving road safety. Experts suggest a multi-faceted approach that includes: • Stricter penalties for both traffic offenders and corrupt officials. • Deployment of automated surveillance and AI-powered traffic monitoring systems to reduce human intervention. • Complete digitization of the challan and fine payment process to enhance transparency. • Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and the legal recourse available. • Introduction of whistleblower platforms to empower citizens to report instances of bribery.
As the debate intensifies over whether Delhi NCR is emerging as the bribe capital of India, the survey serves as a wake-up call for authorities to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law on the city’s bustling roads.
