The maximum distance you can drive in a bus lane to overtake the vehicle in front of you is generally 100 metres. This applies when you need to use the bus lane to overtake a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn, or to avoid an obstruction, provided it is safe and legal to do so. After overtaking, you must exit the bus lane as soon as possible
. Key points include:
- You may only enter the bus lane when necessary for overtaking or turning and must leave it promptly after completing the maneuver
- This 100-metre limit is common in places like Victoria, Australia, where the law specifically allows private vehicles to use the bus lane within 100 metres of making a turn or overtaking a vehicle signaling to turn right
- Bus lanes are primarily reserved for buses and emergency vehicles, and unauthorized use beyond these conditions can result in fines and penalties
Therefore, when overtaking in a bus lane, keep your use brief and within the 100-metre limit to comply with traffic rules.
