This section of the manual provides guidance on special vehicle lanes excluding cycle lanes and cycle paths. Refer to the cycling facilities section of this manual for guidance on cycle lanes and cycle paths.
The function of special vehicle lanes is to endorse and optimise efficiency of the specified classes of road user and in the case of cycling provide a measure of safety.
As described in the TCD rule,
Special vehicle lane means a lane defined by signs or markings and restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle; and includes a bus lane, a transit lane, a cycle lane, and a light-rail vehicle lane.
The TCD Rule and Land Transport Road User Rule (2004) define each lane as follows:
Bus lane means a lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection for the use of:
(a) buses; and
(b) cycles, mopeds, and motorcycles (unless 1 or more are specifically excluded by the marking or sign); and
(c) electric vehicles (if specifically included by the marking or sign)
(Road User Rule, clause 1.6)
Bus-only lane means a lane reserved for the use of buses only
(TCD Rule, Part 2)
Cycle lane means a longitudinal strip within a roadway designed for the passage of cycles.
(Guidance for cycle lanes is provided in Cycling Facilities of this manual). (TCD Rule, Part 2)
Heavy vehicle lane means a lane reserved for the use of heavy vehicles by a marking or sign installed:
(a) at the start of the lane; and
(b) at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection
(TCD Rule, Part 2)
Light-rail vehicle lane means a lane reserved for the use of light-rail vehicles by a marking or sign installed:
(a) at the start of the lane (unless the light-rail vehicle lane is a continuous loop); and
(b) at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection
(TCD Rule, Part 2)
Transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of:
(a) the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane):
(b) passenger service vehicles;
(i) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign;
(ii) cycles;
(iii) motorcycles;
(iv) mopeds; and
(c) electric vehicles (if specifically included by a sign installed at the start of the lane)
(Road User Rule, clause 1.6).
