If you want to become a NSW bus driver or are already driving one, you need to know about the state’s bus lane rules. In this article, we will go over the importance of knowing about these rules in New South Wales. The rules cover:
- Types of bus lanes
- Who can use these lanes?
- Penalties for non-compliance.
- How to dispute a fine for breaking the rules?
Driving in NSW can be a wild experience, especially during peak hours. But knowing and following the rules will make your journey easier and faster. Thus, if you want to become a bus driver, you must take to heart the road rules.
Before going into the details of these rules, let us first give a brief overview of how you can become a bus driver in NSW. First, you need to undergo training. You don’t need to have prior experience in driving. Just complete the required training, and you’re clear for the next step—applying for a Bus Driver Authority. (2025 UPDATE: The AUD 70 application fee is WAIVED until 31 Jul 2025).
To know more about bus driver requirements and jobs, click here.
What Is a Bus Lane?
A bus lane in NSW is a lane on the road that is reserved for buses and other authorised vehicles. They have signs at the start of these lanes. Here are the rules:
- Only buses can use these lanes, but some other authorised vehicles can use them, such as:
- taxis,
- hire cars with HC number plates,
- special purpose vehicles operated by or under the direction of Transport for NSW responding to an emergency,
- bicycles, and motorcycles.
- Except for buses at a bus stop, taxis and chauffeur-driven hire cars picking up or dropping off passengers, you can’t stop in this lane.
- If there is a sign allowing vehicles or if there is an impediment, other vehicles can enter this lane to go around it. To enter or exit the road, pass another vehicle turning right or making a U-turn, or enter a lane from the side of the road, they can also drive in this lane for up to 100m.
- Breaking the rules for these lanes can cost you a fine. The NSW Road Rules 2014 outlines the penalties, which we will go over in the next sections.
Bus Lane Types in NSW
There are different types of bus travel lanes in NSW. Here are the details based on the search results:
1. Bus Lanes (B Lanes): B Lanes are for public buses and, in some cases, only for authorised vehicles mentioned above.
According to NSW Road Rules, a public bus can use the B lanes. A public bus is a motor vehicle that is:
- constructed mainly to carry people,
- equipped to seat more than eight adult people,
- used to carry passengers for hire, reward, or in the course of trade or business.
2. Bus-Only Lanes: Only public buses or emergency vehicles can use a “Bus-Only” lane. These lanes are on main roads and highways. It’s to give buses a faster and more efficient way of public transport.
3. T-way Lanes: T-way lanes are special lanes like bus lanes but are designed for bus rapid transit systems. These lanes are for authorised buses and service vehicles.
Using Bus Lanes in NSW
According to the NSW Road Rules 2014, a driver (except the driver of a public bus) must not drive in a bus lane unless the driver is allowed to drive in this lane under rule 158.
Rule 158 says: “The driver of any vehicle may drive for up to the permitted distance in a bicycle lane, bus lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane if it is necessary for the driver to drive in the lane:
- to enter or exit the road, or
- to enter a part of the road of one type from a part of the road of another type (for example, from a service road, the shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping lane), or
- to overtake a vehicle turning right, making a U-turn from the centre of the road and giving a right change of direction signal, or
- to enter a marked lane, or part of the road where there is room for a line of traffic (other than motorbikes, bicycles, motorised wheelchairs, or animals), from the side of the road.”
Also, other vehicles can drive in this lane to avoid an obstruction or if there is a sign that allows them to. They can also drive in this lane for up to 100 m to enter or exit the road, overtake another vehicle turning right or making a U-turn, or enter a lane from the side of the road.
Fines for Driving in a Bus Lane
The fines for driving in this lane in NSW can be a fine and demerit points. These lanes and bus-only lanes have a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units. In NSW, this is 20 x $110, which is equal to AUD 2,200 currently.
Contesting a Fine for Driving in a Bus Lane in Nsw
Yes, if you get a fine for driving in this lane during restricted hours in NSW, you can contest it. You can do this by:
- requesting a review or
- electing to go to court.
If you think you’ve been unfairly fined, it’s worth considering your options. But contesting a fine doesn’t mean it will be dismissed.
Contesting a Fine
Here is the process for contesting a fine for driving in a bus lane in NSW:
1. Request a review of the fine: If you get a fine for driving in this lane during restricted hours in NSW, you can request a review of the fine. To do this you will need to provide evidence to support your case, such as photos or witness statements. You can submit your request online or by mail.
The NSW government will thoroughly consider your application. They will take into account the nature of the offence and the supporting documentation you provide. Their decision will be based on the NSW Government Caution Guidelines and Internal Review Guidelines under the Fines Act 1996.
This ensures the process is fair and meets the NSW public’s expectation of road safety. Your fine will be suspended once a review is submitted while they consider your request.
No action will be taken until a decision is made and you are notified of the outcome. You will also need to provide your contact number if they need more information about your request.
2. Go to court: If you’re not happy with the outcome of the review, you can elect to go to court. But you should seek legal advice before doing so. You can apply here.
Here’s what happens in court:
- The NSW Government will send you a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) that will have the location, date, and time of the mention at the court nearest to where the offence was committed.
- You’ll need to enter a plea in person or in writing.
- The court will make a decision.
How Can a Traffic Offence Lawyer Help?
Traffic offence lawyers for road rules in NSW
- Representation for drivers who have been fined for driving in the wrong lane.
- Contest a fine for driving in the wrong lane.
- Negotiate with the authorities on your behalf to get the penalty reduced.
- Give you advice on the specific rules and restrictions under the road rules.
Contact JB Solicitors today.
Last updated: 06 January 2025
