Who can use a bus lane?
Permitted vehicles can vary, so you should check the signs at the start of a bus lane or bus-only road before entering.
Where a bus lane runs in front of a property, vehicles may turn left across the lane to enter and leave the property but should not drive in the lane before or after making the turn.
Hours of restrictions
Some of our bus lanes are only in use at certain times, usually at peak hours.
You will see the hours of restrictions on the bus lane signs by the side of the road. If there are no hours specified, that bus lane is restricted at all times.
Parking is not allowed in a bus lane during its operational hours, even with a blue (disabled) badge.
Road users that can use bus lanes
These road users can generally use all the bus lanes in Birmingham:
- buses/coaches (with a minimum of 10 seats)
- cyclists
- solo motorcycles
- Hackney carriages (black taxi cabs). Private hire vehicles are not permitted to use any bus lanes in Birmingham.
There are some exceptions, so check the signs at the side of the road to see who can use the bus lane.
Exceptional circumstances
Very rarely, there will be an exceptional circumstance which means you may be in a bus lane. For example, to avoid a collision or debris in the road, or when directed into the lane by a police officer in uniform. Your stay in the bus lane should always be as brief as possible.
Page last updated: 13 September 2024
