Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle in a bus lane?
TRAVELLING around town and city centres can be slow, especially at rush hour.
But is it legal to ride a motorcycle in a bus lane to skip the queues? Read on to find out.
Can motorbikes use bus lanes?
You should always check the signs before driving in a bus lane - regardless of what vehicle you're operating.
Motorcycles are able to use most bus lanes in London.
But wherever you're riding across the UK, you must check to see if the motorcycle symbol is included on the blue bus lane sign.
If it is, then you can safely travel in the bus lane without the threat of a fine.
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Different parts of the country have different rules, and each local authority has the power to decide if motorcyclists can ride in bus lanes.
A consultation was carried out in 2024, asking drivers if they think it should be allowed in bus lanes everywhere by default.
But so far no changes have been made, and there are a number of things to bear in mind with the existing rules.
Motorcycles with side cars are not allowed to use the bus lane.
If the motorbike symbol is not included on the blue bus lane sign, then you should not use the bus lane.
Some bus lanes have timings on them when they are in operation.
All vehicles can use the bus lane outside of these hours - including motorbikes.
- Buses which have a minimum of 10 seats (including the driver)
- Licensed taxis (hackney carriages)
- Motorcycles (without side cars)
- Mopeds
- Scooters
- Tricycles (non-motorised, motorised under 450kg, not with side cars)
- Bicycles
It is important whichever part of the country you are in to look out for the bus lane sign and thick white line on the carriageway.
The sign will tell you which vehicles can use the bus lane and the hours of operation.
Anyone can use the bus lane outside the hours of operation, but you must be aware that hours of operation may differ on a long stretch of road.
Anyone who uses a bus lane when not permitted to may be served with a penalty charge notice.
Can motorbikes use cycle lanes?
No they can't. According to the TfL website, only pedal cycles and rental electric scooters can use cycle lanes.
It states that all other type of vehicle is unable to use these lanes to ensure more safety for cyclists.
You may be able to cross into a cycle lane if you are turning left or accessing private property.
You may not drive along the cycle lane before or after these manoeuvres, and you should give way to cyclists using the cycle lane so they do not need to stop or swerve.
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Anyone who crosses into a cycle lane when not permitted may be hit with a penalty charge notice.
This may include driving over the white line of a cycle lane when not permitted, or stopping or parking in a cycle lane when not permitted.
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine