Poland

Fines for speeding in Poland

  • Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: PLN 50.
  • Exceeding by 11–15 km/h: PLN 100.
  • Exceeding by 16–20 km/h: PLN 200.
  • Exceeding by 21–25 km/h: PLN 300.
  • Exceeding by 26–30 km/h: PLN 400.
  • Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: PLN 800 (PLN 1,600 for repeat offenses).
  • Exceeding by 41–50 km/h: PLN 1,000 (PLN 2,000 for repeat offenses).
  • Exceeding by 51–60 km/h: PLN 1,500 (PLN 3,000 for repeat offenses).
  • Exceeding by 61–70 km/h: PLN 2,000 (PLN 4,000 for repeat offenses).
  • Exceeding by over 70 km/h: PLN 2,500 (PLN 5,000 for repeat offenses).

Other Penalties:

  • License Suspension: Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more results in a three-month suspension of the driver’s license. This penalty applies both within built-up areas and, as of 2025, on single-lane roads outside built-up areas.

Additional Notes:

Repeat offenses (the same violation within two years) result in doubled fines. These regulations are in place to improve road safety. Always adhere to posted speed limits, as local variations may apply.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Poland, there is a toll system for highways, but no vignette system is required for passenger vehicles. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for passenger vehicles.
  • Instead, Poland has a toll system for certain highways (autostrady) and expressways (drogi ekspresowe).

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Toll Roads: Most of Poland’s autostrady (motorways) and some expressways require tolls.
    • Examples of key toll highways include:
      • A1: Gdańsk to Toruń
      • A2: Warsaw to Poznań
      • A4: Wrocław to Kraków
    • Toll sections: The tolls are typically charged on certain sections of these highways. Some parts of the highways are toll-free, and others are chargeable.
  • Toll Booths: Tolls are collected at toll booths located along the highways where you will stop and pay.

3. Toll Prices

  • Passenger Cars: Toll prices for passenger cars typically range from €1 to €8, depending on the section and distance of the highway.
    • For example:
      • A1 (Gdańsk to Toruń): Around €2 to €3 for a car.
      • A2 (Warsaw to Poznań): Approximately €5 to €8.
  • Larger Vehicles: Trucks and buses will pay more based on their weight, size, and the number of axles.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Toll Booths: At designated toll points, you can pay using cash, credit cards, or electronic payment systems.
    • Electronic Toll Collection (ETC): There is a viaTOLL system in Poland for heavy vehicles (trucks and buses). Passenger vehicles are generally not required to register for this system.
    • Cash and Card Payment: At most toll booths, cash and credit card payments are accepted, though credit cards are often preferred for ease.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to Pay Toll: If you don’t pay the toll, you could face a fine of up to €100.
  • viaTOLL Non-Compliance (for trucks): Trucks that fail to pay via the electronic toll system (viaTOLL) could face substantial fines based on the amount of unpaid toll fees.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Poland does not currently have low-emission zones (LEZs), but some cities may impose restrictions on older vehicles in the future.
  • Toll-Free Roads: While highways are toll-based, major roads and local routes are generally toll-free.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Carry Cash or Cards: It’s a good idea to have both cash and a card ready for toll payments at booths. Credit cards are usually accepted, but some smaller toll booths may prefer cash.
  • Plan for Tolls: Make sure to check your route and be aware of where the toll booths are located along your journey.
  • viaTOLL for Trucks: If you’re traveling in a truck or large vehicle, be sure to register for the viaTOLL system, which is mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tons.