How much is a bus lane fine?
Driving in a bus lane during its hours of operation is a civil offence enforced by councils (and by Transport for London on red routes) using ANPR cameras. The amounts vary by nation and city:
| Where | Full penalty | Discounted | Discount window |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (TfL red routes) | £160 | £80 | 14 days |
| Scotland | £100 | £50 | 14 days |
| Northern Ireland | £90 | £45 | 14 days |
| England (outside London) | £70, or £60 in some council areas | 50% off | 14 or 21 days |
| Wales | £70 | £35 | 21 days |
These are the amounts on the bus lanes we track: every English lane in our data is charged at £70 or £60 — there is no higher English band for a bus lane — and the discount window is 21 days at most authorities and 14 at the rest. Northern Ireland's bus lanes are enforced by the Department for Infrastructure rather than by councils, which is why its penalty sits between the Scottish and English figures.
The exact amount and discount window is printed on your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) — always go by that.
Do I get points on my licence?
No. Bus lane contraventions are decriminalised: you get a PCN, not a fine from the police, and no penalty points. (The exception is where a police officer directly stops you for a moving traffic offence, which is rare.)
What happens if I don't pay?
- Within the discount window (14–21 days): pay 50% of the penalty.
- Within 28 days: pay the full amount.
- After 28 days: a Charge Certificate increases the amount by 50%.
- Still unpaid: the council registers the debt with the Traffic Enforcement Centre and can instruct enforcement agents (bailiffs), adding significant costs.
Should I pay or appeal?
If the signage was unclear, the PCN details are wrong, or you had a genuine reason (e.g. directed by police, avoiding an emergency vehicle), it's often worth challenging — see our step-by-step appeal guide. Note that in most areas paying the discounted amount closes the case, and appealing pauses (but can forfeit) the discount — check what your council says on the PCN.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a bus lane fine in the UK?
It depends which nation issued it. In England outside London it is £60 or £70; in Wales £70; in Northern Ireland £90; in Scotland £100; and on London’s TfL red routes £160. Every one of them is halved if you pay within the discount window printed on the notice — 14 or 21 days depending on the authority.
Do bus lane fines come with penalty points?
No. Bus lane contraventions are civil (not criminal) offences, so you will not receive points on your licence — only a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
What happens if I ignore a bus lane PCN?
The charge increases (usually by 50%) after 28 days, and the council can eventually register the debt and instruct enforcement agents. Always pay or formally challenge it — never ignore it.