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Scooter drivers in China are being let off fines for minor traffic offences if they confess their wrongdoing online - and 'get 20 or more likes'.

According to Beijing News, police in Dazhou, in the Sichuan province of China, have launched a pilot scheme for riders to come clean on social media to escape being charged.

Chinese media report that the exemptions only apply for minor offences committed by road users who they want to 'reflect on their mistakes'.

A Dazhou police traffic officer told the Beijing News that traffic violations involving scooter drivers were "rampant" in the city and that verbally warning drivers is sometimes found to be ineffective.

(Image: LightRocket)

He told the newspaper: "People are generally very interested in collecting ‘likes’ on social media.

"Self-exposure this way will bring more attention to road safety."

More than 10 people have posted mea culpas via the scheme so far, it was reported.

Some confessions have been republished on the police's official Weibo account - a popular Chinese social media platform.

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

One post read: "I was seized by traffic police when driving my scooter in the wrong direction at an intersection.

"I have learned it was wrong after education by the traffic police officer. I would like to remind internet users to learn from my lesson and not to think it was OK to commit mistakes when driving a scooter.”

The unnamed driver was said to have attracted 28 likes for his confession to avoid a fine.

Police said people should not think they can use the scheme to avoid punishment with offenders given a verbal warning instead of a fine, Chinese media reported.

The pilot has been rolled out in the city's Tongchuan district as authorities assess whether to extend it to other parts in the city, according to the South China Morning Post .