When can we use bus lane in UK?

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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On 26 February 1968 the first bus lane in London was put into service on Vauxhall Bridge. The first contraflow bus lane in the UK was introduced in King's Road, Reading as a temporary measure when the road was made one-way (eastwards to Cemetery Junction) on 16 June 1968.

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If you've used a bus lane illegally, your local council can give you a charge notice. In most cases, the council must send you the notice within 28 days of you driving in the bus lane. The charge notice will say that you have 28 days to pay the charge.

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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.

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You should only drive into the lane when you have no other choice but to move over. These cases could include; to avoid an obstruction in the road, to move out of the path of an emergency vehicle or to avoid an accident.

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The times of operation and the type or types of permitted vehicle are indicated on a blue sign. The sign is located in advance of the bus lane and repeated if the bus lane is long. If you want to turn left across a bus lane, an arrow or a dotted white line on the carriageway will indicate if this is permitted.

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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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Minibuses can be driven in most bus lanes UNLESS the bus lane sign says 'local' which means that the bus lane is reserved for local services. The sign may also indicate what other vehicles can use the bus lane such as motorcycles or licenced taxis. This sign shows that the bus lane is reserved for local services.

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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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Breaks and continuous driving The break must last 30 minutes or longer. If your working day is 8 hours 30 minutes or more, you must not drive for more than 7 hours and 45 minutes. You must also take breaks that add up to at least 45 minutes.

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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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Bus lanes give priority to buses, cutting down on journey times where roads are congested with other traffic and increasing the reliability of buses. The introduction of bus lanes can significantly assist in the reduction of air pollution.

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Transit lanes are a portion of the street designated by signs and markings for the preferential or exclusive use of transit vehicles, sometimes permitting limited use by other vehicles.

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