Starting today, Monday January 29th, DC’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) is ticketing any vehicles “illegally driving, parking, standing, or stopping in a bus lane.” This coming after months of a warning period that began back in July.
Per DDOT, Metrobuses are mounted with automated cameras on buses serving select routes in DC. These cameras automatically take videos of violating vehicles and send information directly to DDOT for enforcement. Bus zone tickets will be issued first, followed by bus lane tickets. All bus lane and zone fines will be in the amount of $100. January 29th, Phase 1 enforcement begins, in which drivers illegally parking, standing, or stopping in a bus zone (area around a bus stop) may receive a $100 fine. DDOT will announce a future date for dedicated bus lane enforcement as part of Phase 2 enforcement.
Bus Lanes: Bus lanes are roadways designated for the use of public transit buses, typically marked by red paint and signage. Many bus lanes are active only at certain times of the day, as indicated by signage.
Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus lane or enter a bus lane except to:
- Enter a legal parking space;
- Pull over for an emergency vehicle; or
- Turn within 40 feet of an intersection or driveway, as typically marked by signage or dashed red road markings.
Authorized vehicles include the following:
- Public transit buses, tour buses, school buses, and streetcars;
- Bikes, e-bikes, and scooters;
- Maintenance vehicles (DC or WMATA vehicles that are actively making repairs);
- Emergency vehicles (while responding to an emergency); and
- Accessible transportation service vehicles (wheelchair-accessible vehicles registered with a government agency or with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission that are actively transporting someone with a disability)
Bus Zones
Bus zones are areas along the curb within 80 feet of the approach side and 20 feet of the departure side of a bus stop flag, unless otherwise signed. Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus zone except to avoid conflict with other traffic.
Authorized vehicles include the following:
- Public transit buses and school buses; and
- Maintenance vehicles (DC or WMATA vehicles that are actively making repairs).