Bengaluru tops India in repeat traffic violations: 1 in 10 drivers are habitual offenders

Despite digital fines and strict surveillance, Bengaluru drivers top the charts for breaking traffic rules, with many ignoring challans and safety norms.

Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, has now earned another title, and not one to be proud of. A recent survey found that the city leads all metros in repeat traffic violations, with 10.8% of drivers breaching rules more than 10 times. That’s the highest rate in the country, pointing to a worrying trend of careless and unsafe driving.

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Of the 1.45 million traffic checks conducted, nearly six in ten drivers had at least one pending challan, reflecting a massive culture of non-compliance. From helmet rule breaches to signal jumping, offences are piling up, and many simply go unpaid.

Interestingly, Bengaluru motorists are also among the most active in checking their fines online, doing so about 4.12 times a month, second only to Chennai. Yet, Chennai drivers are quicker to pay up, while Bengalureans tend to delay or ignore their dues.

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The city also ranks highest in digital violations, with nearly a quarter of fines issued through camera and mobile systems, showing that enforcement has gone high-tech, but behaviour hasn’t improved much.

Experts say Bengaluru’s chaotic traffic, poor road discipline, and rising two-wheeler population are key reasons behind the spike. Helmet rule breaches alone account for a major chunk of repeat offences. Compared to other metros, the city’s numbers stand out, 11% in Bengaluru, versus 8% in Chennai, 6% in Delhi, 5% in Mumbai, and 3% in Pune.