Poland

Driving in Poland

Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. If you plan to hire a car, you should note that driving on Polish roads can be hazardous. There are few dual carriageways and even main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and are often poorly surfaced. Streetlights, even in major cities, are weak. You must drive with your headlights on at all times. If you can, you should avoid driving a right-hand drive vehicle alone for long distances or driving long distances at night. Local driving standards are poor: speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored and drivers rarely indicate before manoeuvring. Slow moving agricultural vehicles (and horse dawn vehicles) are common in rural areas, even on main roads.

In 2005 there were 5,444 road deaths in Poland (source: DfT). This equates to 14.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005. Particular care should be taken on national holiday weekends, when there is usually a surge in road accidents.

According to EU law, driving licences issued by any EU member state are mutually recognised in other EU member states. Article 94 of the Act on Road Transport (Polish law) states that a foreigner who has a valid driving licence issued by an EU Member State may drive in Poland. If you are a resident of Poland and wish to change your driving licence for a Polish licence you may do so but there is no requirement to do so.

You must carry original vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers at all times. This is a legal requirement. They will be asked for if you are stopped by the police and, in particular, when crossing borders. This also applies to rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers when stopped by the police they have the right to impound your vehicle and charge you for this.

There is a zero tolerance for drink driving in Poland. If you drive and have been drinking (even 1 unit of alcohol) you can be charged. If you break Polish Driving Regulations you should be prepared to pay on the spot a fine in cash in Polish currency to the Police. Foreigners who are settled in Poland and have a permanent address may be fined with a credit ticket that can be paid later.

Seat belts must be used in both front and back seats.

Using a mobile phone while driving (unless “hands free”) is banned.