√How far can you drive in a bus lane?

Bus lanes are for buses, right? But what if you need to make a turn, how far car you travel in a bus lane?

For the most part, the Australian Road Rules are a nationally adopted standard, which means that once you know the rule in your home state you can drive safely and legally around the country.

The basic rules around travelling in a bus lane are very much universal around the country, but that doesn’t mean the states keep everything simple.

Simply put, no matter where you are you can drive in a bus lane for up to 100m when entering or leaving the road or to avoid an obstacle in your path (like a car stopped to turn right) but we’ve noted a few special cases that you may find in each state below.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in NSW?

In New South Wales, a bus lane (identified with a red B and an image of a bus) may only be used by a registered bus, taxi (not private ride-share cars), hire-car using HC plates or emergency vehicle. Motorcyclists and bicycles can also use bus lanes.

Note that some signs in NSW state ‘Busses Only’, which means that only busses may use those lanes.

Drivers of private cars may only use a bus lane for up to 100m when entering or leaving a road, or passing a car (on the left) that is turning right.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in SA?

Rules in South Australia are similar to that of NSW, in that only registered buses, taxis and emergency service vehicles can use a bus lane. Ride-share drivers are not permitted.

Drivers may only use a bus lane for up to 100m when entering or leaving the road, avoiding an obstruction or passing a car that is turning right. Stopping in a bus lane is never permitted.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in VIC?

Drivers in Victoria may also only use a bus lane for up to 100m when entering or leaving the road, or need to pass a vehicle turning right from the middle of the road.

Note that many bus lanes in Victoria operate at specific times, so drivers need to pay attention to signage that will note when driving normally in a bus lane is permitted (usually outside peak hours).

Only public busses and bicycles are permitted to use bus lanes in Victoria.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in the ACT?

Once again, drivers must only travel up to 100m in a bus to enter or leave the road or pass an obstacle (that includes a car turning right).

Only public buses, motorcycles, bicycles, taxis, hire cars and emergency service vehicles are permitted in a bus lane in the ACT.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in TAS?

The rules in Tasmania are the same as the mainland, where driving in a bus lane is permitted for up to 100m as long as you are entering or leaving the road, or avoiding another car or obstacle.

How far can you drive in a bus lane in NT?

You guessed it, up to 100m… but with one catch. There are no bus lanes in the Northern Territory!

In Cavenagh Street, Darwin, the closest thing is a bus-only entry to an intersection (from the bus stop) and a dedicated ‘B’ light at the traffic lights.

How far car in you drive in a bus lane in WA?

The national standard of being able to drive in a bus lane for up to 100m when entering or leaving the road is true in Western Australia too.

Most bus lanes are limited to Perth, and the majority operate during peak times only so signposts will note when they can and can’t be used by private vehicles.