If you’ve ever thought about slipping into a bus lane “just for a second,” here’s a quick heads-up: the MTA is watching AND recording. New York City buses are fitted with something called Automated Camera Enforcement, or ACE. These cameras are placed right on the front of MTA buses and are meant to catch one thing: drivers breaking the rules.
That means if you drive in a bus lane, stop in a bus stop, or double park where you’re not supposed to, that bus may just catch you in the act. You won’t get pulled over; but a ticket will show up in the mail, along with a fine you’ll need to pay.
Let’s break it down so you can stay safe and keep your hard-earned money in your pocket.
What Will Get You a Ticket?
The ACE system is focused on keeping bus lanes clear. If a car is blocking the way even for a few seconds, it slows down the whole system. That’s why the cameras are there.
Here’s what will earn you a fine:
- Driving in a bus lane when it’s not allowed
- Stopping at a bus stop
- Double parking along a bus route
The system takes a picture of your license plate and records a short video. Later, the city reviews the footage. If you broke the rules, you’ll get a notice in the mail with a fine attached.
Fines usually start at $50 and can go up to $250 if it keeps happening. There’s no warning first.
What To Do If You Get a Ticket
If a ticket shows up in the mail, here’s what you should know:
- It’s a civil violation.
That means it won’t affect your license or driving record, but it can still cost you money. - You can’t fight it in traffic court.
These violations are handled by the Department of Finance, not the usual court system. Most lawyers – including IDG Legal – are not allowed to fight these tickets for you. - You have two main options:
- Pay the fine online, by mail, or in person.
- Dispute the ticket if you think it was a mistake. You can do this online by providing evidence (like photos, maps, or a written statement).
To pay or dispute, go to the NYC Department of Finance website:
www.nyc.gov/finance, and follow the instructions under “Bus Lane Violations” or “Camera Violations.” Further payment or dispute information should also be on the original document you received in the mail.
What If I Am Picking Up or Dropping Off a Passenger?
Uber and Lyft drivers are allowed to stop in bus lanes and at bus stops to pick up or drop off passengers. If a driver receives a ticket while doing so, they should submit a copy of the ticket along with screenshots of their trip data to the online system as proof that they were actively on a trip.
How to Avoid These Tickets
If you’re a professional driver, these rules can feel tough. Especially when there’s no good place to pull over, traffic is tight, or you’re rushing to complete a trip. But these cameras don’t care about why you did it. They only record that you did.
Here are a few tips to help you stay clear of trouble:
- Know the signs. Most bus lanes have signs that tell you the rules, like what times you can drive in them, and who’s allowed.
- Double parking? Think twice. Try to find a legal spot nearby. If you can’t, it may be better to circle the block.
- Stay alert around buses! If you’re near a bus and you’re in a lane marked “bus only,” it might be time to switch lanes.
