158Exceptions to driving in special purpose lane etc

158 Exceptions to driving in special purpose lane etc (1) The driver of any vehicle may drive for up to the permitted distance in a bicycle lane, bus lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane if it is necessary for the driver to drive in the lane— (b) to enter a part of the road of 1 kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road, the shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping lane); or (c) to overtake a vehicle that is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal; or (d) to enter a marked lane, or part of the road where there is room for a line of traffic (other than motorbikes, bicycles, motorised wheelchairs or animals), from the side of the road. (2) The driver of any vehicle may drive in a bicycle lane, bus lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane if— (a) it is necessary for the driver to drive in the lane to avoid an obstruction; or (b) information on or with a traffic sign applying to the lane indicates that the driver may drive in the lane. (2A) The driver of any of the following vehicles may drive in a bus lane: (a) a taxi; (b) a hire car; (c) a demand responsive service vehicle; (d) a motorbike.

(3) It is a defence to the prosecution of a driver for an offence against a provision of this division for driving in a bicycle lane, bus lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane if— (a) it is necessary for the driver to drive in the lane to stop at a place in the lane; and (b) the driver is permitted to stop at that place under this regulation, or it is a defence under section 165 (Stopping in emergency etc or to comply with another provision) for the driver to stop at that place; and (c) if the lane is a bicycle lane—the driver drives in the lane for no more than the permitted distance. permitted distance means— (a) for a bicycle lane or tram lane—50m; or (b) for any other lane—100m.