Fines of up to £100 for playing loud music on buses in England: government issues guidance

On 19 October 2026 the British government published guidance for local transport authorities in England. It is intended to help them apply new powers against people who play loud music on buses, vape, drop litter or behave aggressively. Such behaviour can result in a fine of up to £100.

Who will enforce the rules, and how

The powers come from the Bus Services Act 2025. They allow all local transport authorities in England to set and enforce their own rules on board buses. The rules came into force on 5 August 2026. However, each local byelaw must be approved by the Secretary of State before it takes effect.

Bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcing the rules. This will be done by authorised officers, including transport safety officers and the police.

According to the government, officers are to act in three steps:

• speak to the person concerned,
• explain the rules and their effect on other passengers,
• take enforcement action if the person does not comply with requests.

Campaign on trains

A nationwide campaign, "Share the carriage, not the noise", is being launched at the same time. It reminds train passengers to use headphones. Playing music or videos aloud from a phone is called "loudcasting" in English.

Earlier rules already apply on trains. According to Polish Express, a person who continues to disturb the peace despite being asked to stop may be removed from the train or given a fine of up to £1000. The government statement says that persistent offenders may be prosecuted and fined.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in the government statement that local leaders are being given new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.

What this means for you

The rules apply to England, not the whole of Great Britain. Fines can only be issued by those local authorities that introduce their own rules and have them approved. The rules may therefore differ from place to place. It is worth checking announcements from your local operator or council. To be on the safe side, it is better to listen to music and watch videos with headphones, both on buses and on trains.