bribed

Just paid my first bribe for this trip. One of the main thoroughfares of Chennai, Anna Salai (or Mount Road), has one segment where there are actual lane markings dividing the road into three sections. The very left lane is for buses, the next lane for cars, and the rightmost lane for auto-rickshaws and 2 wheelers (keep in mind we drive on the left). I was riding home -- scooter brimming with bags from a days worth of shopping -- when a policeman pointed motioned at me to pull over. In proficient English (of the Indian variety) he told me that I was driving in the bus lane. He asked for my license, which of course I said I did not have on me at the moment. Then he said that the fine for not carrying your license is 550 Rupees. It was nice that he cut to the chase for me, without making me ask him how much it would take for him to let me go. I always feel guilty when I have to initiate the bribe discussions. Negotiations ensued (ie. I reached into my pocket and said this is what I have) - I drove away after giving him 200 Rupees. Had I actually had a license, I would have asked for him to write me a ticket with a receipt. But I could not because I do not have a license, which means technically he can take my scooter away. My fault for not having a license, but the bureaucratic struggle to get one made is ridiculous. But, I did learn not to drive in the bus lane on that one stretch of Anna Salai. Isn't that the aim of the ticket/citation system anyway? Like many things in India, dysfunctionally functional.