What is the Bus Lane Fine 20 Metre Rule? Is it Real?
Have you been given a fine for driving in a bus lane? It can be scary and confusing, but you’re not alone. Each month, more than 32,000 people visit this site for guidance on tickets and fines.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
- What a bus lane fine is and why it’s given.
- How to appeal your fine and possibly win.
- Understanding the ’20 metre rule’ and if it’s real.
- The cost of bus lane fines and what happens if you don’t pay.
- Where to find more help if you need it.
We know how it feels to get a fine; some of us have been in your shoes. We’re here to help you understand your bus lane fine.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
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In partnership with Just Answer.
Can you be fined for accidentally driving in a bus lane?
Driving in a bus lane whether by accident or not could earn you a Penalty Charge Notice. Even when you leave it as soon as it is safe to exit the lane, if the offence is caught on camera, you risk being fined!
Is there really a 20-metre rule?
No. The 20-metre rule is a myth. If you enter a bus lane illegally and exit it in under 20 metres, the belief you won’t be fined isn’t true!
This type of rule would encourage dangerous manoeuvres which could lead to traffic accidents!
So, if you enter a bus lane for any amount of time could result in a fine. Why? Because it’s an offence to drive in bus lanes when they are in operation!
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
What if the offence is caught on CCTV?
If you use the bus lane when it’s not allowed, and the offence is recorded on camera, the issuing authority retrieves your details from the DVLA. That’s if you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle!
In most instances, the issuing authority sends the charge notice to you within 28 days of the offence being committed. You have to pay the amount within a specific time to avoid further action.
Check out what happened to one motorist who failed to update his details with the DVLA:
Source: Moneysavingexpert
What if you ignore a bus lane fine?
You shouldn’t ignore a bus lane fine because things get more stressful and expensive when you do!
For instance, what was a £160 fine could end up costing you 50% more! You’d have to pay a whopping £240 for using a bus lane illegally.
If you lost the PCN, you can find the reference number by contacting the issuer!
The issuer could ask debt collectors to recover the amount owed on a bus lane fine!
Plus, the fine could be registered in the courts as a ‘debt’ and enforcement agents (bailiffs) could contact you! This can be a very unpleasant experience that’s best avoided.
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Getting the support of a Solicitor can take a huge weight off your mind.
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How much do bus lane fines set you back?
I’ve listed how much a bus lane fine could set you back in the table below:
| London bus lane fine amount | £160 |
| London bus lane fine early payment discount | £80 |
| Outside London bus lane fine amount | £60 |
| Outside London bus lane fine early payment discount | £30 |
Should you pay the fine early?
If you’re satisfied the Penalty Charge Notice is correct and that all the details on the PCN are right, you could pay it early.
By settling the PCN within 14 days, the issuer reduces the amount by 50%. It could be something worth considering but only if you deserve the fine and can afford to pay it!
Can you appeal a bus lane fine?
You could appeal a bus lane fine and you may get out of paying it provided you have a good excuse! Without a valid reason for challenging the Penalty Charge Notice, an appeal will be rejected.
I’ve listed ways to avoid paying a bus lane below:
- You had to let an ambulance or other type of emergency vehicle pass you which meant you entered the bus lane
- The bus lane signage was hidden, unclear or damaged
- You had to use the bus lane to avoid a road traffic accident
- Your vehicle was stolen when the PCN was issued
Can you be fined more than once on the same journey?
Yes. If you drive in a bus lane when it’s not allowed and do so twice during the same journey, you could get two PCNs!
In short, if you’re caught using the bus lane twice by CCTV, two fines could drop through your letterbox as a very unpleasant surprise.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
Does a bus lane fine earn you points on a licence?
No. A bus lane fine won’t earn you any penalty points on your driving licence. It doesn’t affect your vehicle insurance in any way.
You won’t have to worry about the PCN affecting your car insurance premiums!
Lastly, what is the bus lane fine 20-metre rule, is it real?
No. There’s no such thing as the 20-metre rule when it comes to driving in a bus lane when it’s not permitted.
No matter how long you stay in the bus lane and no matter what distance you travel, it’s an offence that’ll earn you a PCN!
In short, when a bus lane is in operation, it’s illegal to drive in it whether on purpose or accidentally! Plus, when the offence is recorded on camera, appealing a bus lane fine can prove challenging.
Unless of course you had no choice but to enter a bus lane for a valid reason!
Thanks for reading my post. I hope the information in the article helps clear up the myth of the 20-metre bus lane rule!
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