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A sign that gives orders

No stopping except for buses

On a red route, 'no stopping except for buses' marks a bus stop or bus bay where only buses may stop - every other vehicle, including yours, must keep moving.

01

What it means

Red routes ban stopping outright, and at a bus stop clearway the exception is buses only. You can't pull in to set down, pick up, load or wait, even for a moment, in that marked length. It keeps buses able to reach the kerb and pull away.

There's no official standalone sign face for this red-route variant, so this page carries the rule in words - the restriction is shown on the road by the red-route markings and the bus-stop clearway plate.

02

Where you'll see it

Bus stops on TfL red routes across London, and similar priority-route bus stops elsewhere.

03

On your driving test

Never stop in a bus stop clearway. If asked to pull up, a bus stop - especially on a red route - is not a legal place, so read the markings and pick somewhere else.

Fines and penalties

Stopping in a red-route bus stop clearway is enforced like other red-route contraventions - in London typically a £160 PCN, halved if paid early. Camera or civil-enforcement officer enforced; no licence points.

Often confused with

Quick answers

Can I stop at a red-route bus stop to drop someone off?

No. On a bus-stop clearway only buses may stop - all other vehicles must keep moving, even for a quick set-down. Find a legal spot beyond the restriction.

Rules and meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).

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