Department of Finance311Search all NYC.gov websites
Bus Lane Camera Violations
Effective February 20, 2020, if a vehicle has more than one bus lane restriction violation that has either been paid, found guilty following a hearing or where judgment has been entered within a 12-month period, pursuant to VTL Section 1111-c (e) and Title 19 Section 39-18 (a) of the Rules of the City of New York, the motorist is liable to pay $50 for a first offense within a 12-month period, $100 for a second offense within a 12-month period, $150 for a third offense within a 12-month period, $200 for a fourth offense within a 12-month period, and $250 for each subsequent offense within a 12-month period.
Generally, motorists may not drive in a designated bus lane during applicable hours unless:
The bus stop zone begins at the bus stop sign and continues in the direction of the arrows until the next parking sign or, if there is no parking sign, to the end of the block.
Cameras are affixed at certain bus lane locations or can be mounted on an actual bus. If you violate the bus lane zone, the camera will take a picture or video and you will receive a summons in the mail.
- The motorist is about to enter a driveway or make a right turn at the nearest intersection. You must make the turn within 200 feet of entering the bus lane.
- The motorist temporarily stops to expeditiously pick up or drop off a passenger at the curbside.
- The motorist is attempting to access a parking spot next to the bus lane.
The bus stop zone begins at the bus stop sign and continues in the direction of the arrows until the next parking sign or, if there is no parking sign, to the end of the block.
Cameras are affixed at certain bus lane locations or can be mounted on an actual bus. If you violate the bus lane zone, the camera will take a picture or video and you will receive a summons in the mail.
Possible Defenses:
- Your evidence shows that you did not travel in the bus lane for more than 200 feet, or the evidence against you does not establish that you were in the bus lane for more than 200 feet.
- Your evidence shows that some condition on the roadway prevented you from making an immediate right turn—for example, it was not safe or legal to do so.
- The conditions existing on the roadway left you with no other option but to enter and stay in the bus lane for more than 200 feet.
- You were complying with the direction of law enforcement personnel.
- You have evidence of a sudden mechanical breakdown or medical emergency that necessitated your parking in the bus lane.