UK bus lane, cycle and tram signs

Know your traffic signs says a blue circle can show a route for use only by particular classes of vehicle. Symbols are left out for vehicles that are not admitted, and a time plate shows when a route is reserved for part of the day only. Where a bus lane sign shows no times, the bus lane operates at all times.

You should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs allow your vehicle (rule 141), and you must not enter a road, lane or route reserved for trams (rule 300).

UK bus, cycle and tram signs

• Bus lane signA lane for buses, and any vehicles shown.
• Contraflow bus lane signBuses come towards you in their own lane.
• Bus lane on road at junction ahead signThe road you turn into has a bus lane.
• Buses, cycles and taxis only signOnly buses, cycles and taxis may use this road.
• Route for cycles only signA route only for pedal cycles.
• Shared route for cycles and pedestrians signCyclists and pedestrians share one path.
• Separated cycle and pedestrian route signCyclists on one side, pedestrians on the other.
• No cycling signRiding a bicycle is not allowed.
• Cycle route ahead signA cycle route crosses or joins the road ahead.
• Trams only signA route only for trams.
• Trams crossing ahead signTrams cross the road ahead.
• No buses signBuses must not go in.
• End of bus lane signThe bus lane ends here.
• Bus stop signA bus stop: do not stop or park here.
• With-flow cycle lane signA cycle lane in the same direction as you.
• Contraflow cycle lane signCyclists come the other way in their own lane.
• Cycle lane at junction ahead signThe road ahead has a cycle lane.
• End of cycle route signThe cycle lane, track or route ends.
• Cyclists dismount signCyclists should get off and walk.
• Tramway look both ways signPedestrians: trams may come from either direction.

Test yourself

Bus lanes

Question 1 of 1

1. Your lane is queuing beside an empty bus lane. Its operating period is in force, and the signs give your car no permission to use it. You want to continue along the road. What should you do?

   • A Stay out of the bus lane Right
   • B Use the bus lane until a bus appears
   • C Use the bus lane while traffic is queuing
   • D Enter the bus lane if you keep moving

   The right answer is A: Stay out of the bus lane

   WhyUnless indicated otherwise, you should stay out of a bus lane during its operating period.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 141

   Report this question

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Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the GOV.UK pages below.

1. Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
2. Know your traffic signs: tram signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
3. The Highway Code, rule 140, GOV.UK
4. The Highway Code, rule 141, GOV.UK
5. The Highway Code, rule 300, GOV.UK
6. Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.