A bus lane is a special purpose lane for use by public buses.

During bus lane operating hours, drivers may only drive in a bus lane for up to 100 metres when entering or leaving the road.

A bus lane can be identified by road signs at the start of a bus lane. 

Bus lane rules
The Victorian Road rules (Part 11 - rules 154 and 158) provide detailed information about bus lane laws. The information below is an overview only – for legal definitions and details please refer to Acts and Regulations Administered by VicRoads.
 
Driving in a bus lane
Drivers must not drive in a bus lane, except:

• for up to 100 metres when entering or leaving the road.

         For example: when turning in or out of a driveway, a service road or to turn at an intersection.

• when information on the bus lane sign indicates that other vehicles may use the lane. 

         For example: in a shared bus/bike lane or part-time bus lane with limited hours of operation.

• when it is necessary to avoid an obstruction. 

         For example: if a broken-down vehicle or fallen branch is blocking the road.

• a driver of a public bus

Parking or stopping in a bus lane
Public buses, public minibuses and taxis are allowed to stop in a bus lane to pick-up or drop-off passengers.

Drivers may sometimes park in a part-time bus lane outside the hours of operation. Please check the bus lane sign and parking signs in the area before parking.

Cyclists
Signs at the start of a bus lane indicate if cyclists are allowed to ride in the lane.

Penalties
The Police can issue on-the-spot fines of $85 for driving unlawfully in a bus lane. In court the maximum penalty is $227.

Exemptions
Some drivers are exempt from some or all of these rules, including:

• Police, Ambulance, Fire and other emergency vehicles 
• council garbage collectors
• other authorised persons outlined in the road rules.

Why we’re building bus lanes
Bus lanes are being introduced on key bus routes across Melbourne to:

• improve reliability 
• improve travel times 
• encourage the use of public transport 

Bus lanes help buses avoid delays and travel to timetable, making them a reliable and attractive option for passengers. By improving reliability and travel times, more people will be encouraged to leave the car at home and use the bus instead, making bus travel greener and reducing congestion.

Some bus lanes are being built for future, high-frequency services such as SmartBus, but all existing and new bus services will benefit. 

                                                                                                                                               top of page