In 2006, DC Council passed the “Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006.” This law makes it illegal for a driver to make a right turn in front of a bus that is stopped at an intersection to receive or discharge passengers. Violators of the law are subject to a fine of at least $100.
The new law specifically prohibits a motor vehicle driver from passing to the left and pulling in front of a bus in order to make a right turn, when the bus is at a bus stop or at an intersection to receive or discharge passengers. Rather, a vehicle must stay or merge behind the bus to effect its turn.
The law applies to a wide range of public transit buses that operate in the District, including:
- Metrobuses
- Downtown Circulator
- Georgetown “Blue Buses
- Maryland and Virginia State commuter charters
- Tourmobile vehicles