Bus lane camera violations (street-mounted cameras)

Cameras are located at certain bus lane locations. If you violate the bus lane rules, the camera will take a photo and video of your vehicle, and you will receive a summons in the mail.

As of August 19, 2024, if a vehicle has more than one bus lane restriction violation captured by a street-mounted camera within a 12-month period, the driver must pay $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, $150 for the third offense, $200 for the fourth offense, and $250 for each additional offense. This is required under VTL Section 1111-c(e) and Title 19 Section 39-18(a) of the Rules of the City of New York.

Bus lane violations captured by an MTA bus have different escalated fine rules. See the MTA bus camera violations page for more information.

Bus lane rules

Generally, motorists may not drive in a designated bus lane during applicable hours unless:

• The motorist is about to enter a driveway or make a right turn at the nearest intersection.
• The motorist temporarily stops to expeditiously pick up or drop off a passenger at the curbside.
• The motorist is attempting to access a legal parking space next to the bus lane.

Possible defenses for bus lane violation hearings

You have the right to dispute a bus lane violation. Possible defenses include:

• 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.
• You were complying with the direction of law enforcement personnel.
• You have evidence of a sudden mechanical breakdown or unexpected medical emergency that necessitated your parking in the bus lane.
• You have evidence of temporarily stopping to expeditiously pick up or drop off passengers at the curbside.