Auckland's roads are under pressure and we need to make every lane count. Bus and Transit lanes help move more people efficiently during the busiest hours of the day.
Types of lanes
You can identify each lane type by the signs and road markings shown.
Bus lanes
Bus lanes give priority to buses so they can move more reliably through congestion.
During operating times, bus lanes can be used by:
- buses
- bicycles, motorbikes and mopeds
- emergency vehicles.
All other vehicles cannot use bus lanes during operating times.
Transit lanes (T2 or T3)
Transit lanes reduce congestion by encouraging people to share vehicles.
Unless signs say otherwise, transit lanes can be used by:
- T2 lanes: vehicles with 2 or more people, including the driver
- T3 lanes: vehicles with 3 or more people, including the driver
- emergency vehicles
- passenger service vehicles, including taxis and rideshares
- bicycles, motorbikes and mopeds.
Bus-only lanes
Bus-only lanes are the most restrictive as:
- only buses and emergency vehicles can use them
- other vehicles cannot use these lanes during operating times
- on motorways and busways, only buses are allowed unless signs say otherwise.
Outside operating times, the lane can be used by all vehicles. If no times are shown, the lane operates 24/7.
T2 or HV lane
T2 or HV (heavy vehicle) lanes give priority to vehicles carrying more people and freight vehicles.
These lanes can be used by:
- vehicles with 2 or more people (T2)
- heavy vehicles (HV) capacity 3.5 tons
- emergency vehicles
- motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles (unless signage states otherwise).
Using bus and transit lanes correctly
Follow these rules to stay safe and avoid fines.
What you can do
You can:
- enter a bus lane briefly to turn left, enter a driveway, or leave the road (for up to 50m)
- drive in the lane if your vehicle meets the requirements shown on the sign
- follow traffic signals that allow entry into the lane.
What you must not do
You may receive a $150 fine if you:
- drive in a lane your vehicle is not allowed to use
- travel more than 50 metres in a bus lane without permission
- use a transit lane without the required number of people
- use a transit lane to bypass traffic and merge ahead without meeting the rules
- stop or park in a bus or transit lane during operating times.
Bus lanes are monitored by enforcement officers and cameras.
Check when bus and transit lanes operate
Operating times are shown on roadside signs. Outside these times, the lane can usually be used as a regular traffic lane.
If no times are shown, the lane operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Watch how it works
Bus and transit lane laws
Auckland Transport manages bus and transit lanes in line with national transport legislation and Auckland Council bylaws.