Driving In Poland

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in Poland.

Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services:

Police	997
Fire	998
Ambulance	999

National Directory:
913

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Poland are measured in KPH (Kilometres per Hour).

Built-up areas	60kph/37mph
Outside built-up areas	90kph/56mph
Expressways	110kph/68mph

Additional information:
The speed limit for cars towing a trailer or caravan outside built-up areas or on expressways is 40kph/24mph.  In addition to built-up areas there are residential zones - marked by entry/exit signs - where the speed limit is 20kph/12mph.

Toll Information
In Poland there are two toll roads:
The A2 between Wrzesnia and Konin
The A4 between Katowice and Kraków

General Tips and Road Information
There are large numbers of horse-drawn wagons carrying agricultural products on the public roads during harvest periods. Unlit horse-drawn wagons are a particular hazard.
Police are empowered to collect fines of between zl 50,000 and 500,000 on the spot; they must issue a receipt.

Parking:
If parked in darkness on an unlighted street, a vehicle's parking lights must be on. Vehicles weighing less than 2.5 metric tons (2500 kg) can park with one set of wheels on the sidewalk as long as a path remains for pedestrians. Do not park within 5 metres of a pedestrian crossing.

Fuel:
Most fuel stations now stay open 24 hours. Regular leaded petrol has an octane rating of 94; the octane rating of super leaded is 98. Unleaded petrol is called benzyna bezolowiowa. Regular unleaded petrol has an octane rating of 95; the octane rating of super unleaded is 98. A high proportion of fuel stations along highways sell LPG.

Trams:
Trams may be passed on the right; but when a tram stops and there is no island to accept disembarking passengers, drivers must yield to the passengers who cross to the sidewalk.

Requirements

Minimum driver age:
The minimum age of a driver is 17 years.

Licences:
EC format pink/green licence is accepted; old-style green or non-European licence must be accompanied with an International Driving Permit.

Required equipment for your car:
You are required to carry a warning triangle. You should also be aware, if you are taking your own car into Poland, that mud flaps on the rear wheels of your vehicle are compulsory.

Headlights:
Between 1 November and 1 March, all vehicles must use headlights both night and day.

Car Horns:
Use of horns is illegal in built-up areas. Use your vehicle's headlights to warn of your intention to pass. However, when passing in poor visibility you must use your vehicle's horn to give warning.

Seatbelts:
The use of seat belts is compulsory for front and rear-seat passengers.

Children in the front seat:
Children under 10 years of age must be in a safety seat to sit in the front.

Motorcycles:
Motorcycles outside built-up areas must be operated with headlights on-night and day and a crash helmet must be worn at all times.

Useful Links and Further Information
Renting a car whilst in Poland? We recommend Hertz Car Rental.