Guide to Driving In Poland - Drive Safe in Poland

Seat belts are compulsory and must be worn by both the front and back seat passengers. 

The following documents should be carried with you at all times when driving in Poland:

• A valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ID such as a passport
• A V5C certificate

The minimum driving age for Poland is 18 years of age. 

It is illegal to use a safety camera warning device in Poland. 

Significant on the spot fines can be given for not having certain items with you when driving in Poland. These items include:

• A warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• Lights
• Fire-extinguisher
• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet
• Rental cars should be equipped with a reflective jacket.

A child under the age of 12 and less than 150cm tall must have a suitable car seat or car restraint. It is against the law for a child to be in the front seat without this. It is also forbidden to have a child in a backward facing car seat if the car has an airbag. 

Proof of insurance must be carried with you at all times when driving in Poland and it is necessary to have a minimum of third party cover. 

The maximum amount of alcohol permitted in the blood is 0.02%, if you are found to have more than that in your system you are considered in capable of driving. The police can stop you to carry out a random breath test. 

It is possible to use a trailer without customs documents as long as it is no more than, 4m in height, 2.55m in width and does that have more than an overall length of 18.75m. 

Speed Limit	Type of Road
50km/h	A built up area. This will be marked with a white rectangular sign and the name of the town in black.
60km/h	In a built up area between 11pm and 5am.
90km/h	Outside of built up areas
100 km/h	On A – Class roads.
120 - 140km/h	On the motorways

The traffic police are everywhere in Poland and on the spot fines can be given for speeding. The fines are low in comparison to the UK and can sometimes be negotiated on the spot. However if you are driving over 50km/h in a built up area it is possible to have your licence completely withdrawn for a period of three months. 
Speed cameras are also used in Poland. 

 It is illegal to use your phone when driving in Poland

Traffic lights follow the same system as in the UK; you can only turn right at red lights if there is a separate green arrow indicated and pedestrians must be allowed to cross first. 

All motorways in Poland are toll roads. These can be paid in PLN or Euros.

See our guide to toll roads in Poland here.