Can a taxi use the bus lane? Find out when taxis are allowed to use bus lanes and what national and local regulations govern this topic. Do electric cars also have access to bus lanes?
Discover the rules and exceptions to better understand who can use bus lanes in Poland and what conditions must be met .
Can a taxi use the Bus Lane?
Yes, a taxi can drive in the bus lane, but not always. You see, in Poland, some regulations are passed at the national level, while others are passed at the local level.
When it comes to taxi regulations, surprisingly, they are included in several groups of regulations. Namely, in order regulations at the local level, in the Road Traffic Act and in the Road Transport Act.
And now the best thing is that by owning an electric car you get the opportunity to use any bus lane in the country, this is established at the national level.
A taxi can only use bus lanes where there is a clear information under the sign D-12 that taxis are allowed.
Thanks to this solution, in the example of Gdańsk, there are several bus lanes where a taxi driver breaks the regulations, but a driver driving an electric vehicle does not break them.
Art. 45 section 1 point 4 of the Road Traffic Law: It is prohibited to use the road or its individual parts in a manner inconsistent with its intended use, unless specific regulations provide otherwise.
This regulation means that the use of bus lanes by vehicles other than public transport buses (and other authorized vehicles such as taxis, motorcycles, electric cars, etc.) is prohibited unless local regulations and road signs allow it. In practice, this means that taxis can only use bus lanes in places where it is expressly permitted by road signs.
So the answer is; "It depends" on the specific regulations in force in a given city or region. In most cases, taxis can use bus lanes to speed up their journey to a customer or destination.
However, it is important that taxi drivers are aware of local regulations and look for signs which may vary from place to place.
Who can use the bus lane according to national regulations?
Bus lanes are intended mainly for public transport buses to ensure efficient and quick passage, especially during rush hours. However, according to nationwide regulations, bus lanes can also be used by:
Taxis : Can use bus lanes, but only where this is clearly indicated on road signs. This provision is included in Art. 45 section 1 point 4 of the Road Traffic Law, which states that using the road or its part in a manner inconsistent with its intended purpose is prohibited.
Electric cars : Electric vehicles can use bus lanes under the Act of January 11, 2018 on electromobility and alternative fuels. However, the road manager may introduce restrictions on the minimum number of people in an electric vehicle using the bus lane.
Penalties for non-compliance with the regulations : Driving in a bus lane without the appropriate license may result in a fine of PLN 100 and one penalty point. In the case of additional violations, such as blocking traffic, the fine may be at least PLN 500.
Emergency services vehicles: Ambulances, fire brigades and other emergency services are always allowed to use bus lanes, regardless of the traffic situation.
Vehicles carrying disabled people: In many places, vehicles carrying disabled people can also use bus lanes, making it easier for them to move around crowded streets.
Other vehicles: In some cities, based on local regulations, motorcycles and bicycles are also allowed on bus lanes. However, each city may introduce its own regulations on this matter, so it is always worth familiarizing yourself with the current regulations in force in a given place.
Remember ; in each city, the road manager (e.g. the city mayor) may impose additional restrictions or permits on the use of bus lanes by taxis, motorcycles, electric vehicles and other vehicles. This information is usually placed on placards next to road signs.