The roads can be pretty confusing when you’re getting used to them, and that’s something we understand better than anyone. It’s hard enough learning which lanes you’re allowed to drive in on a motorway or how to navigate a dual carriageway properly, and then they go and throw bus lanes in there for good measure.
It’s all part of keeping the roads safe and organised, which is why it’s crucial that you learn how to navigate them properly. We know it’s not easy when you’ve just got your first-time driver’s insurance, and the Highway Code is still a little challenging to remember, but this guide should help you understand how bus lanes work.
What are Bus Lanes?
Bus lanes are clearly marked on the roads, and they can be identified by either solid white lines or white dashed lines. The solid lines are there to mark the edge of the bus lane, and they must not be crossed during operational hours. The dashes are exit and entry points and are acceptable to cross (for example, allowing you to turn left).
Who is Allowed to Use Bus Lanes?
This depends on which bus lane it is. Some bus lanes are strictly for buses, while others have signs indicating who else is allowed to use them. Any bus lanes marked with the word ‘local’ are reserved for local buses only. Bus lanes might have signs allowing the following road users to use them:
- Hackney Carriages
- Motorcycles (no sidecars allowed)
- Mopeds
- Tricycles (with restrictions)
- Scooters
- Bicycles
When Can You Use a Bus Lane?
You can use a bus lane outside the operational hours for that bus route. It can help alleviate congestion during traffic and free up a lot of the road. In fact, not using a bus lane when it is considered safe to do so can actually result in you being penalised on your driving test.
When Can’t You Use a Bus Lane?
Bus lanes are marked by blue signs indicating their hours of operation. They vary significantly, but they will show the time period and days of the week that the bus lanes are in use. If there is no sign, this means the bus lane is in use 24/7, and you can’t drive in it at all. You cannot drive in any bus lanes during their operational hours.
What Happens if You Cross into a Bus Lane?
There are times when you might have to cross into a bus lane. This typically occurs when making way for emergency services, and sometimes it involves steering out of the way of a potential accident. It can also be crossed if you need to avoid an obstruction in the road that you wouldn’t be able to get around otherwise.
However, even when you need to cross into a bus lane, it is essential to remember that it’s temporary. You need to exit it as quickly as possible (and when it is safe to do so) to prevent causing traffic or disrupting the buses.
What are the Penalties for Using a Bus Lane?
CCTV often monitors bus lanes to ensure they are being used correctly, especially in major cities and large towns. The CCTV is also in place to verify whether the bus lanes were crossed due to urgent circumstances that are considered exceptions. However, if you incorrectly use a bus lane, you can incur the following penalties:
- £160 inside Greater London (£80 if paid within 14 days)
- £60-£70 outside Greater London (£30-£35 if paid within 14 days)
Can You Appeal Bus Lane Violations?
If you think that you have been penalised wrongly for bus lane violations, it is possible to send in an appeal. However, you do need to be aware that failure to pay your fine when you are in the wrong can result in your local authority taking action against you. The following grounds for appeal might be accepted:
- If the contravention didn’t occur
- If you have been charged more than the relevant amount
- If a fixed penalty notice has already been issued
- If you are not the registered owner (or the registered hirer)
- If the vehicle was hired out to someone with a signed statement of liability
- If the vehicle was being kept by a motor trader
- If the vehicle was being used without consent
Get Insured with MyFirst Today
At MyFirst, we are dedicated to providing competitive car insurance for young drivers. We were all young once, and it can be daunting to face alone (and afford). That’s why we specialise in insurance that doesn’t break the bank while maintaining comprehensive coverage. We offer both telematics and non-device policies to help bring those premiums down further.
If you want to see how much we can save you (or you want to check out our range of policies), get in touch today for a free quote.
