If you park in the red bus-only lanes outside of permitted hours, you could be getting a warning. In 45 days, that warning could become a fine of up to $200.
Starting July 24, Metro will send warnings to vehicle tags mount automated cameras on buses serving select routes in DC as part of the Clear Lanes Project. These cameras automatically take photos of violating vehicles and send information directly to DDOT for enforcement.
The project uses automated camera technology to identify vehicles driving in bus lanes during bus-only hours, or ars illegally parked and stopped in dedicated bus lanes, transferring info to DDOT for enforcement.
The 45-day warning period begins July 24. Metro anticipates that the Clear Lanes project will be ready to roll out for good in Fall 2023, at which point the program will issue fines as opposed to warnings. Fines are $100 for vehicles driving in bus-only lanes (except turning vehicles) and $200 for those stopped or parked outside permitted hours.
It will be implemented throughout the city. For Hill Residents, that could include the red lanes along Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Park During Permitted Hours
But we asked the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and they assured us: yes, you can still park in the red bus lane on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, but not during the identified rush hours for each direction.
During the morning rush the red lane on the north side (westbound, towards the Capitol) becomes a dedicated bus lane from 7:00 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. In the afternoon, the south side or eastbound red lane will be bus priority from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Parking is permitted outside of those hours. But if your vehicle is there within those time frames, it could be photographed and cited as part of the Clear Lanes initiative.
Vehicles are not supposed to:
- Enter bus lanes except to enter a legal parking space or turn within 40 feet of an intersection or driveway, as typically marked by signage or dashed red road markings, or
- Stop, stand, or park in a bus lane.
Permitted in the bus lane are:
- public transit buses, tour buses, school buses, and streetcars;
- Bikes, e-bikes, and scooters;
- Maintenance vehicles (DC or WMATA vehicles that are actively making repairs);
- Emergency vehicles (while responding to an emergency); and
- Accessible transportation service vehicles operated by DC or by WMATA
Learn more at ddot.dc.gov/clearlanesprogram
