Dear Cop - City Buses

What is the rules about the right of way when it comes to city buses. I have had times when I have been approaching a bus from the rear and it starts to move and comes into my lane with very little advance warning and I've had to step on my brakes so as not to cause an accident. If any other driver did this it would be wrong but someone told me that city buses have the right of way is this true?


Bus drivers are required to signal before moving back into the driving lane of traffic. The driver of the bus is also required to ensure that when the movement is made into traffic that it is done in safety. If you encounter a situation such as you have written, I would suggest that you note the bus number and call transit authorities. I know that driving a bus in a city is a difficult job and I would suggest to all drivers when approaching a transit bus to use caution.

Section 169(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that a driver of a vehicle on a highway, on overtaking a bus that is stopped, standing or parked, must yield the right of way to the bus if the bus displays a sign or other signal device requiring the driver of the vehicle to yield to the bus and the bus driver has signaled an intention to move into the traveled portion of the roadway. This law is in regards to buses operated by or on behalf of British Columbia Transit or the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

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