In an act of meticulously planned petty revenge, a driver in Handan, China, transformed an 11,000 yuan ($1,600) traffic fine into an all-day logistical ordeal for local authorities. After accumulating multiple violations, the man arrived at the traffic police station with his penalty—paid entirely in loose change.
The Coin Deluge
The driver presented two large sacks containing approximately 130 kilograms (286 pounds) of coins, predominantly 1-yuan and 50-fen pieces. He calmly dumped the massive haul on the counter with the words, “Here’s your money, count it.”
Bound by law to accept legal tender, the police had no choice but to proceed. What followed was an epic counting session: 18 officers and bank staff worked a full shift feeding coins into machines that repeatedly jammed under the volume. The task, which blackened hands with metal dust and strained backs, finally ended at 11 p.m.
Patient Vengeance
Throughout the entire process, the driver waited politely, reportedly smiling as he watched. After the final count—totaling roughly 13,000 individual coins—he signed the receipt and left.
The story, which spread through Chinese media in late November 2025, quickly made the driver a folk hero online. Netizens celebrated the act as “revenge art” and “god-tier pettiness,” praising its non-violent but impactful nature. Police later acknowledged the stunt was legal and even commended the man’s patience. The driver simply stated he was returning the “hard time” the system had given him over months of fines.
In a practical aftermath, the Handan traffic bureau has since installed high-speed commercial coin counters at major stations—learning a memorable lesson in inventive public feedback.
FAQs
Q1: Was it legal to pay the fine with coins?
A1: Yes. Chinese law, like that of many countries, states that coins are legal tender for settling debts, including fines. The police were obligated to accept them.
Q2: Why did the driver do this?
A2: He described it as returning the “hard time” he received during months of traffic violations and fines—a creative, non-violent form of protest against the system.
Q3: How long did it take to count the money?
A3: It took approximately 12 hours for a team of 18 staff to count all 13,000 coins, finishing at 11 p.m.
Q4: Did this incident lead to any changes?
A4: Yes. Following this event, the local traffic bureau installed high-speed commercial coin-counting machines at major stations to handle any future similar payments efficiently.
