Can I drive in a bus lane to turn left in NSW?

Yes, for a short distance just before the turn, as long as it is safe.

Do bus lanes apply all day?

If the sign shows hours, only during them. With no hours, the lane applies at all times.

Regulatory sign · Lanes and zones

Bus lane sign

Keep out of this lane in a car, except briefly to turn or get on and off the road.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 154Asked in general knowledgeShown in 4 practice questions

What it means

What does the bus lane sign mean in NSW?

A white plate shows a black bus over the words BUS LANE, and the lane itself is often painted red. During the hours shown, or at all times if no hours appear, the lane is for buses and a short list of others such as bicycles, motorbikes and taxis. A private car may only drive in it for a short distance to turn, or to enter or leave the road.

What to do

1
Stay in the next lane during its hours unless you are about to turn.
2
Move in only for the short stretch you need, then turn off.
3
Watch for BUS ONLY lanes, which are stricter still and kept for buses.

Practice questions with this sign

You are driving a car and see this sign over a lane during its operating hours. What is the rule?

Right.Not quite. The answer is A.

A bus lane is for buses and a few other permitted vehicles, and a car may only use it briefly to turn.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 154

You are driving a car beside a bus lane during its hours and want to turn left into a side street 60 m ahead. What may you do?

Right.Not quite. The answer is B.

A car may use a bus lane for no more than 100 m to turn or to enter or leave the road.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 154 and rule 158

Common questions

Can I drive in a bus lane to turn left in NSW?: Yes, for a short distance just before the turn, as long as it is safe.
Do bus lanes apply all day?: If the sign shows hours, only during them. With no hours, the lane applies at all times.

More in lanes and zones

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A practice question in NSW Learner answered correctly, with the explanation card

Your L plate turns green when you would pass

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