Poznaj Polske

Traffic Regulations

In Poland right-hand traffic is obligatory and traffic regulations are the same as in other European Union countries. Here is a brief summary:

Speed limits

- 60 km/h for vehicles or sets of' vehicles throughout built-up areas;
- 20 km/h for local traffic of vehicles or sets of' vehicles throughout residential zones;

For automobiles. motorcycles and trucks (up to. 3.5 t GVW);

- 130 km/h on motorways
- 100 km/h on dual carriageways
- 100 km/h on single and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes in each direction
- 90 km/h on all other roads

For all vehicles or sets of vehicles not mentioned above:

- 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes in each direction
- 70 km/h on all other roads

Notice: 40 km/h is the maximum speed limit for all motorcycles (with or without a sidecar) and mopeds when a child is transported.

Towing

- Maximum speed limit for the towing vehicle is 30 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h outside built-up areas;
- The towing vehicle's sidelights must be on it all times;
- The towed vehicle must be driven by a holder of a valid driving licence, unless the towing vehicle requires no such control:
- Both vehicles must be linked by a safe, non-disconnecting towing link, except for motorcycles which must be towed with the use of a flexible link, which can be disconnected if necessary;
- A red warning triangle must be placed on the rear left side (of the towed vehicle) and side lights must be on when visibility is poor; instead of red warning triangle, the towed vehicle may use a yellow flashing lights, provided they are easily noticeable for other drivers;
- When a rigid towing link is used, the towed vehicle must have at least one braking system operational; when a flexible towing link is used, two braking systems must be in working condition;
- The maximum distance between the two vehicles must not exceed 3 metres when a rigid towing link is used, and 4-6 metres when a flexible link is used; in case of a flexible towing link, it must be marked with white and red stripes, or with a little yellow or red streamer;
- Towing on motorways is allowed only to the nearest exit or service point;
- When towing a vehicle not requiring driver's control and without operational braking system, the towed vehicle's total weight must not exceed the total weight of the towing vehicle.

Vehicle Size Restrictions

Height - 4.0 m
Width - 2 5 m
Length with trailer - 18.35 m

Maximum length of a single vehicle - 12.0 m

Seat belts

Both the driver and passengers must keep their seat belts on at all times while the vehicle is moving, except for persons having an appropriate doctor' s certificate and women in late months of pregnancy.

Safety helmets

Motorcycle and moped drivers and their passengers must wear safety helmets at all times.

Children

Children up to 10 years are not allowed to occupy the front seat, unless seated in a special safety chair. If the sear belts cannot be used because of child's weight or size, a special safety seat must be provided.

If an air bag is fitted in front of the passenger seat, a child may not be seated in its safety chair with its back towards the front of the vehicle.

Lights

When visibility is poor (fog, rain or generally in other adverse conditions) the driver must:

- switch on the side light or fog lights or both;

- give short horn signals outside built-up areas while passing or overtaking other vehicles;

Rear fog lights may be used if visibility is reduced to 50 m. These lights should be turned off as soon as visibility improves.

Side lights must be always switched on in normal weather conditions from dusk till dawn, and at all times from 1 October to the end of February. Side lights must also be used in unlit tunnels.

Motorcycle and moped riders must to have the lights on at all times.

Other rules

The use of steel-studded tyres is forbidden. Snow chains are allowed only on snow covered roads.

Driving under the influence of intoxicating substances is strictly forbidden.

Mobile phones may be used while driving only if they are fitted with a hands-free kit.

Foreign registered vehicles should have a country code sticker attached to the back of the vehicle. The driver should be able to produce to the traffic police a valid driving licence, vehicle registration and an insurance document.

Roadside document checks may be carried out only by uniformed police officers in clearly marked police patrol cars.