This information sheet is designed to help answer some of the frequently asked questions and explain some common misunderstandings about bus lane restrictions.
* Only specified vehicles (buses, taxis i.e. Hackney Carriages, emergency services and cyclists) may enter a bus lane during operating hours. Vehicles not in those categories will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice if they enter a bus lane.
Section 120 of the Highway Code states: Bus and tram lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or stop in a tram lane or in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs indicate you may do so. (Road Traffic Regulations Act Sections 5 & 8). It is the responsibility of motorists to familiarise themselves with the laws of the road.
Shown above is an example of a typical bus lane signage. You should check the times that bus lanes are in force as they differ. Please also note parking and waiting restrictions may also be in operation outside of bus lane hours.
If your vehicle is viewed in a bus lane during the restricted hours the registered keeper will receive a Penalty Charge Notice. Some of the reasons given by motorists for entering a bus lane are listed below. These would not normally be accepted as reasons for withdrawing a Penalty Charge Notice.
- I was not aware that I couldn’t drive in a bus lane
- I didn’t see or understand the signs
- It was busy, I was running late, traffic was stationary
- I was easing congestion, preventing pollution
- I was only in the bus lane for a short time
- There wasn’t a bus in the bus lane
- I was turning left.
A common misunderstanding arises over the left-hand turn. Bus lane restrictions do not allow a vehicle to cross the solid white line to manoeuvre into a left-hand turn. Broken white lines denote the point at which you may cross the lane to turn left. Alternatively there may simply be a break in the solid white line. Care should always be taken as traffic may be moving faster than in other lanes.
*The London Local Authorities Act 1996 (amended 2000)