“Dedicated bus lanes & strict enforcement help buses stay on time.”

From DDOT:

“The Clear Lanes Project is a joint initiative between Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) and DDOT that aims to improve bus travel times and enhance bus stop safety by using camera technology to identify illegally parked and stopped vehicles in dedicated bus lanes and bus zones.
Program Details:

Metro will mount automated cameras on buses serving select routes in DC. These cameras automatically take photos of violating vehicles and send information directly to DDOT for enforcement. Metro anticipates that the Clear Lanes project will be ready to roll out in Fall 2023, with a 45-day warning period beginning July 24, 2023.

Fines:

The fine for unauthorized vehicles driving, standing and parking in a bus lane is $200

The fine for unauthorized vehicles parking or standing in a bus zone is $100

Per DC Municipal Regulation Rule 18-2217, the following vehicles are permitted in bus lanes: Transit buses, tour buses, and school buses; bicycles (except pedicabs); paratransit service vehicles; authorized emergency vehicles.

Bus Lanes:

Bus lanes are restricted to buses and bikes as well as other permitted users (listed above), and are designated by signage, pavement markings, and red paint. All other vehicles are prohibited from driving, stopping, or standing in the bus lanes when they are in operation, except to make turns. Vehicles are permitted to enter the bus lane to make a turn at an intersection, alley, or driveway as permitted by signage and pavement markings. If no sign is posted, vehicles are permitted to enter the bus lane 40 feet in advance of a turn. The red paint will typically be hatched to indicate where vehicles can enter the lane to make a right turn.”