Bus lane and carpool lane

Bus lanes are reserved for public transport, but several types of vehicles may be allowed to use them. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are a variant where private cars with enough passengers also have access.

Who can use bus lanes?

Markings and signs

Bus lanes are marked with a continuous line and the text «BUS» or symbols on the roadway. The sign for a bus lane shows who has access.

HOV lanes are marked with «SAM» or a separate sign indicating the required number of people in the car.

When can you cross a bus lane?

You can drive briefly across the bus lane when you:

• Turn right at an intersection
• Drive into or out of a property
• Stop for pick-up or drop-off where legally allowed

You cannot use the bus lane to avoid queues or drive in it over longer distances.

Bus lanes and stops

Buses leaving a stop in built-up areas have the right-of-way given by you. You must let them merge into traffic. Read more in right-of-way for buses and trams .

Fines and consequences

Illegal driving in bus lanes results in a fine and may also add points to your driver’s license. Automatic cameras monitor many bus lanes.

Tips for the theory test

Questions about bus lanes often concern who is allowed to drive there, and when you can cross the lane. Remember the difference between a bus lane and an HOV lane. See also driving in built-up areas for more on urban traffic rules.

Further reading

• Right-of-way for buses and trams
• Driving in built-up areas
• Overview of prohibition signs
• Right-of-way and intersections