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Can I drive a minibus in a bus lane UK?

You can drive a minibus in a bus lane depending on the signage displayed. It doesn't matter if that vehicle is operating under a Section 19 Permit or an operator's licence.



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Most bus lanes operate at peak times only (typically 7.30am to 9.30am or 3.30pm to 6.00pm on Monday to Friday). Outside the hours of operation the lanes can be used by all traffic. The legislation for most bus lanes allows permitted taxis, motorcycles and bicycles to use bus lanes.

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Bus lane and bus gate penalty charge notices (PCNs) are £60. However, if you pay within 14 days of the date of notice, the charge is reduced to £30. If the PCN is not paid within 28 days, the charge will increase to £90. You'll need your PCN number to pay your fine.

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You will not receive points on your licence. You can find out more about the fine, how to pay and how to appeal if you think the PCN should not have been issued on the parking tickets and bus lane fines page. The police can also issue a Fixed Penalty to vehicles which are using a bus lane or bus only road illegally.

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Vehicles that may use a bus lane or gate if signage allows
  • Licensed taxis (hackney carriages)
  • Pedal cycles (including electrically assisted pedal cycles, adapted cycles and cargo bikes)
  • Solo mopeds and motorcycles (i.e. without side cars).


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What is a Bus Lane? It is a travel lane restricted to buses only during certain hours of the day. During this time, other vehicles may enter a bus lane only to make the next available right turn, or to quickly drop off or pick up passengers. Violating bus lane rules results in a $50 – $250 fine.

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You will not receive points on your licence. You can find out more about the fine, how to pay and how to appeal if you think the PCN should not have been issued on the parking tickets and bus lane fines page. The police can also issue a Fixed Penalty to vehicles which are using a bus lane or bus only road illegally.

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You need to contact the council in writing before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the service of the PCN/Notice to Owner. There is a section of the PCN which can be used to set out your response. At this point, copies of all evidence should also be sent in.

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A bus lane is a lane restricted to buses (and cycles, motorcycles and permitted taxis where indicated by the signs) on certain days and times. The benefits of bus lanes are that they: increase bus service reliability. improve bus passenger journey times.

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London's famous black cabs benefit from being allowed to use special road lanes set aside for buses, which increase their ability to quickly maneuver through the city. Private taxi companies, such as Uber, have always been banned from using these lanes.

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So when it comes to electric cars and bus lanes, the answer is no – electric cars can't generally use bus lanes. But you can always check your local council to see if trials are taking place in your area. If you're an EV driver, it's best to avoid driving in bus lanes as it's unlikely you are permitted to be there.

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