On the ticket this prints as: BUS LANE VIOLATION or MOBILE BUS LANE VIOLATION
Camera-issued bus lane violations, fixed and bus-mounted (ABLE) cameras. Owner liability.
17.1%
of contested cases are dismissed outright — and 43.6% end dismissed or reduced. From 562,482 decided hearings in the city's own records.
Is it worth fighting?
Fixed-camera cases dismiss ~19%; bus-mounted under 10%. The recognized outs: you entered the lane to make the next legal turn, to quickly pick up/drop off passengers where permitted, or to avoid an obstruction — the city's own video often proves it. Always watch the video before paying.
What actually wins
Entering to make the next permitted turn (the classic legitimate use)
Brief entry for passenger pickup/dropoff where allowed
Avoiding an obstruction/emergency vehicle — the video shows it
Signage for the lane hours missing/wrong; ticket time outside posted hours
Evidence to gather
The violation video (request/download it)
Map showing your turn immediately after
Photos of lane signage and hours
Fighting it is free. New York lets you dispute online, by mail, or in person — no fee, no lawyer required, decision from a hearing officer. Start at nyc.gov → Dispute a ticket. Check the response deadline printed on your ticket, and answer before it to avoid late penalties.