Bus laneUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
12. Bus lane
A bus lane is a traffic lane reserved primarily for buses or other authorised public-transport vehicles. It is intended to improve the reliability and flow of public transport by allowing authorised vehicles to avoid general traffic congestion.
Other road users, such as taxis, cyclists, motorcycles or vehicles carrying several occupants, may also be permitted when signs expressly allow them. The operating hours, permitted vehicles, direction of travel and rules for entering or crossing the lane depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Geof_Sheppard • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles may use a bus lane in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, bus-lane signs and markings show the permitted vehicles and operating times. The Highway Code says not to drive in a bus lane during operation unless the indications allow it. Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 141–142; bus-lane categories and operating times
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)
May bicycles and motorcycles use a bus lane in the United Kingdom?
Check the cycle, taxi or motorcycle symbol on the actual sign. Access for these users varies; the words BUS LANE do not automatically include all of them.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 141–142; bus-lane categories and operating times
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)
Does bus-lane access also allow stopping or parking in the United Kingdom?
The Highway Code allows entry to stop, load or unload where that is not prohibited. Separate waiting, loading, clearway and bus-stop restrictions still apply, so do not assume that either an active or inactive bus lane permits parking.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 141–142; bus-lane categories and operating times
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)
