The easiest and most convenient way to get to know Poland is, of course, a trip by car, as it gives complete freedom in shaping the route and its constant changes. At the planning stage, you should familiarize yourself with the information on the official promotional website of Poland: http://www.polska.pl/turystyka/ , using the tips on what and where to visit. Perhaps you will look at our country from a slightly different point of view. The following websites may also be a source of inspiration:
Before going on a tour, it is worth remembering the basic rules and requirements that we, as drivers, must follow. Of course, we remember the rule of the right hand, giving way to pedestrians, parking in permitted places and observing the speed limit.
Speed limits in Poland
Unless otherwise indicated on road signs, speed limits:
for a car, motorcycle or truck up to 3.5 tons:
- in a residential area – 20 km / h,
- in populated areas – 50 km/h (from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) and 60 km/h (from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.),
- outside populated areas – 90 km/h,
- on expressways: one lane – 100 km/h; dual carriageways – 120 km/h,
- on highways – 140 km/h.
for vehicles with a trailer and trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons, the permitted speed is:
- in a residential area – 20 km / h,
- in populated areas – 50 km/h (from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) and 60 km/h (from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.),
- outside populated areas – 70 km/h,
- on highways and expressways – 80 km/h.
During towing, the speed of the towing vehicle should not exceed 30 km/h in populated areas and 60 km/h outside them.
Exceeding the speed in populated areas by more than 50 km/h is subject to a fine and deprivation of a driver’s license for 3 months. For driving a car, despite maintaining a driver’s license, the term of the fine will be increased to 6 months. Repeated capture already entails the withdrawal of permits and the need to retake the driving test.
Seat belts in Poland
The use of seat belts by the driver and passengers is mandatory.
Low beam headlights in Poland
Mandatory all year round, around the clock.
Additional requirements for drivers in Poland
Mandatory equipment includes :
- extinguisher,
- warning triangle (two triangles when driving with a trailer).
Recommended but not required items
- reflective vest, which should be worn when exiting the vehicle outside populated areas, on expressways and highways,
- first aid kit,
- a spare wheel and the necessary tools for independent wheel replacement,
- a set of spare light bulbs.
Also, if we are traveling with a trailer and it is wider than the tow vehicle, our vehicle must have additional side mirrors.
Anti-skid chains can only be used on tires on snowy roads.
Necessary documents for driving in Poland
To enter Poland, you must present:
- identity document: an identity card valid for at least 6 months (for citizens of the Schengen area) or a passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from Poland (in the case of non-EU citizens).
- driver’s license,
- registration certificate with a valid technical inspection of the vehicle,
- vehicle insurance – civil liability (also valid in Poland),
- in the case of traveling by company car, it is worth having a permission from the leasing company, written in English / Polish.
It is also worth remembering about accident insurance and additional medical insurance.
The full list of rules governing the movement of people and goods through Polish border points can be found here: http://granica.gov.pl/przepisy.php?v=pl .
Motorways, toll roads in Poland
Driving on Polish highways is tolled. For cars and road trains with a permissible total weight of less than 3.5 tons, the fee depends on the distance traveled and is paid in cash or by card at the exit. Trucks with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tons are subject to payment in the electronic system. More information at: http://www.viatoll.pl/ .
Poland is quite densely covered with roads, while its continuous improvement is observed. All roads of the Republic of Poland are divided into three main types:
- National roads are currently the most saturated network, which includes all roads in the country, with the exception of those indicated below.
- Motorways. They are often called autobahns in the German manner. These are the most convenient highways, they have strictly established sizes of lanes, shoulders, exits, etc. These roads do not have intersections (all junctions are of the bridge type or tunnels), do not pass through large cities.
- Expressways. This type of road is just as comfortable and high-quality, but high-speed highways are allowed to be built within populated areas and equipped with intersections.
As an additional classification of Polish roads, the following concepts are used:
- Roads that are planned to be converted into autobahns and expressways.
- International highways (which can be part of all three main types).
- Sections / highways, alternative to tolls.
- Public roads that do not have restrictions on the mass of freight transport.
- Detours, ring highways.
At the moment, only some sections of highways (autobahns) are tolled. There are currently no toll areas on national roads or expressways.
Designation of toll roads in Poland
The three main types also differ in marking (designation):
- National ones are indicated by numbers. At the moment, from 1 to 98. The length of the roads is different – from 1.5 km on the 96th highway to 811 km on the 8th.
- Motorways have an alphanumeric designation: they begin with the letter “A”, followed by a number. At the time of publication of the article, there were A1, A2, A4, A6 and A8.
- Expressways also have an alphanumeric designation, but begin with the Latin “S”. Now there are 18 of them.
How are paid areas marked? They don’t have special markings, but let’s remember that they only charge for certain sections of the autobahns. So there is the letter “A” in the designation of toll roads. At the moment, such areas are present on roads A1, A2 and A4. Moreover, there can be several such segments.
Ecological zones in Poland
Theoretically, these are some areas on roads where vehicles using traditional internal combustion engines are not allowed. It is planned to use them in natural protected areas, as well as in the historical centers of cities.
Entry on a gasoline or diesel engine will cost a 500 zloty fine. However, it will be possible to have the right to travel – the approximate cost is 2.5-3 zlotys per hour or 20-25 zlotys per day.
Disputes about the establishment of such zones have been going on since at least the spring of 2018, but at the time of publication there was no information about the beginning of their application.
How to pay toll roads in Poland?
In terms of calculation methods and methods, toll roads can also be classified in different directions.
By payment time
In essence, the methods differ at the moment of payment – when entering or exiting the toll road by passenger vehicles (trucks have additional options, and they are not allowed on some routes at all). The Poles themselves call the methods:
- Open (system otwrty) – when payment is made at the time of entry, and the future journey is paid for immediately. This is a rather outdated system, often leads to the formation of queues.
- Closed (system closed) – when a ticket is issued at the entrance, which records the moment of the start of movement on the tolled section, and at the exit, payment is made for the kilometers actually used.
It is very important to know the payment method in advance. If the ticket is not taken or lost when the system is closed, it will be necessary to pay the toll section in full, regardless of the mileage used.
By payment method
It can be both cash and non-cash payments. Cards of most global systems are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro).
Payment is accepted in zlotys, euros, and dollars. However, when paying in cash, the change will be issued only in Polish currency.
By service method
A road service employee can take funds and open the barrier at checkpoints. However, more and more passages were equipped with an automatic system. Issuance of coupons, mileage accounting, and money withdrawal are robotic.
Please note that automatic systems work only by non-cash settlement. At the same time, the entrances to the points are narrow and limited. If it turns out that the payment is made in a certain way, then in order to change the “window” you will have to ask a rather long line of cars to move backwards to let your car out.
The cost of travel on roads in Poland in 2022
Not only different roads can have their costs, but also different sections of the same highway, as well as different categories of vehicles. Prices are current at the time of publication of this article, and it is better to check them immediately before the trip.
All TK are divided into five categories:
- Category 1. Motorcycles, cars and other two-axle vehicles without trailers.
- Category 2. Two-axle machines with a trailer.
- Category 3. Three-axle cars without a trailer.
- Category 4. Three-axle vehicles with a trailer or a car that have more than three axles.
- Category 5. Other cars, including oversized ones.
Route A1
The road connects the settlements of Rusocin (S6) and Gorzyczki (border). The total length of the highway is 580 km. The main sections of the A1 highway are divided into paid and free sections.
Itineraries are provided for informational purposes only. When planning, it is necessary to take into account the current conditions, for example, traffic jams, construction work, weather, etc. Be careful and follow the Traffic Rules.
Those for which you do not need to pay include:
- Maciejów – Gliwice-Sośnica
- North Lodz – Tuszyn
Paid segments and distance:
- Pruszcz Gdański – Swarożyn (29.5 km)
- Swarożyn – Nowe Marzy (68 km)
- Nowe Marzy – Toruń South (67.6 km)
How much is the fare:
| TK category | Cost per kilometer, zlotys |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0,16 |
| 2 | 0,38 |
| 3 | 0,38 |
| 4 | 0,38 |
| 5 | 1,6 |
Route A2
The highway, 672 km long, connects Świecko (border) and Kukuryki (border).
There is no need to pay for sections on this road:
- Poznań West – Poznań East
- Sługocin – Zdżary
- Arynów – Ryczołek
Sections between settlements are subject to payment:
- Krzesiny – September (47.3 km)
- September – Konin (64,4 km)
- Konin – Stryków (111 km)
- Rzepin – Komorniki (144 km)
Fare:
The Konin – Stryków section will cost PLN 0.05 per kilometer for motor vehicles and PLN 0.10 for passenger cars. Other segments have their own tariffs, which are distributed by race.
| TK category | Price per km, zł | |
|---|---|---|
| Konin – Stryków | Nowy Tomyśl – Konin | |
| 1 | 0,20 | 0,40 |
| 2 | 0,46 | 0,62 |
| 3 | 0,94 | |
| 4 | 1,46 | |
| 5 | 4 |
Highway A4
The road runs between Jędrzychowice (border) and Korczowa (border). The total length is 668 km.
There are different sections on this highway as well. Free at the moment are:
- Jędrzychowice (межа) – Wrocław Bielany
- Between separate slopes in the area of the city of Gliwic
- Gliwice-Sośnica – Katowice-Murckowska
- Krakow – Korczowa (межа)
You will have to pay for segments:
- Mysłowice-Brzęczkowice – Balice I
- Bielany Wrocławskie – Gliwice-Sośnica
The fare on the Krakow – Katowice section is charged for the entire tolled section, regardless of mileage:
| TK category | Fare, zlotys |
|---|---|
| 1 (motorcycles) | 5 |
| 1 (light) | 10 |
| 2 | 20 |
| 3 | 20 |
| 4 | 35 |
| 5 | 35 |
On the Wrocław – Sosnytsia section, a passenger car will cost PLN 0.10 per kilometer. Only trucks pay for the section from SPO Kleszczów (węzeł Kleszczów) to PPO Sośnica. For vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, the passage in this place is free.
Speed limit in Poland
There are no specific speed limits for toll highways, so the appropriate speed limits are used for all cases. We will recall the main indicators of the speed regime in RP for passenger vehicles and motorcycles:
| Place / highway | Maximum speed, km/h |
|---|---|
| Population centers | 50 (60 at night) |
| Within the boundaries of the settlement on single-lane roads | 90 |
| The same, but if there are two or more stripes | 100 |
| One-lane highway | 100 |
| The same, but with two or more lanes | 120 |
| Autobahn | 140 |
However, each area can have its own mode, which changes depending on the time of day or weather conditions.
How to find out online where road repairs are taking place in Poland?
The most visible service is provided by the General Directorate of State Roads and Motorways (GDDKIA).
However, not all RP roads are serviced by one contractor. Some information must be sought on other resources.
Drunk driving in Poland
The permissible concentration of alcohol in the driver’s blood is 0.2 ppm .
If the inspector determines that you have an alcohol content of up to 0.19 ppm, there will be no penalty.
If it is detected (from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm) – this is already a criminal offense, which entails:
– a fine in the amount of PLN 50 to PLN 5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days,
– driving ban for a period of 6 months to 3 years,
– 10 penalty points.
Driving while intoxicated (over 0.5 ppm) is considered a crime and is already punishable by the Criminal Code:
– a fine of at least 5,000 and up to 60,000
– imprisonment for up to 2 years.
– a ban on driving (any or all categories) for a period of 3 to 15 years.
The next time driving a car while intoxicated will result in a higher fine. If we are arrested for the third time for driving while intoxicated, we will receive a lifetime ban on driving – necessarily and without options! This means that the court cannot mitigate the sentence in this regard – the Criminal Code does not provide for any leniency in this matter.
It is worth remembering that the authors of the rather strict “anti-alcohol” laws made sure that even the escape of the drunk culprit of the accident from the scene was expensive. will find us when we are sober), will impose exactly the same degree of punishment (a set of punishments, including insurance recourse), as for driving vehicles or causing an accident while drunk. The law equates fleeing the scene, even when sober, to driving under the influence.
Regarding insurance payments, if we injure someone (for example, cause a collision) while under the influence of alcohol, our insurer will pay the injured party compensation, but will contact us with a claim: they will demand the return of the compensation paid.
If we damage someone’s new car, we will have to bear the costs. It should be remembered that the repair of a slightly damaged luxury car can cost, for example, 100 thousand
Using a mobile phone while driving in Poland
It is forbidden to make calls on a mobile phone while driving, unless we are using a headset or a wireless earpiece.
Children in a car in Poland
Children must not be transported in a rear-facing seat or other safety device in the front seat if the vehicle is equipped with an active passenger airbag.
Children under 12 years of age, under 150 cm tall and weighing up to 36 kg must be transported in a safety seat or safety device appropriate for their height and weight.
Exceptions:
- if the child is over 12 years old, but his height is less than 150 cm, he must still use a car seat.
- if your child is at least 135 cm tall and weighs more than 36 kg, which exceeds the maximum load capacity of the seats, he can travel with a seat belt, but only in the back seat.
If you have three children, the third child, if he is over three years old, can travel in the center rear seat wearing only the seat belts, if there is no space for a third child seat.
It is worth checking in the instruction manual whether the seat is installed correctly. You can be fined not only for not having a child seat, but also for the fact that it does not correspond to the height or weight of the child.
Driving with a trailer and transporting large cargo in Poland
Driving with a trailer imposes certain restrictions on the configuration of the vehicle (see the section Additional requirements) and the permissible speed of movement (see the section General information). Lots of useful information and news about camping and caravanning can be found here: http://www.pfcc.eu/ .
The speed of the vehicle with the device protruding forward more than 1.5 m from the driver’s seat is 30 km/h in populated areas and 60 km/h outside populated areas.
Additional information about roads in Poland
Remember that transporting more people than indicated in the vehicle registration certificate, you risk losing your driver’s license for 3 months.
An up-to-date list of difficulties on national roads and highways can be found here: http://www.gddkia.gov.pl/pl/19/lista-utrudnien .
Poland’s road infrastructure, despite significant financial costs for current repairs, often leaves much to be desired. It is worth maintaining limited trust in other road users. Also remember to be careful at unguarded level crossings and give way to emergency vehicles. By following the speed limit, you care not only about your safety and the safety of your passengers, but also about the health of your vacation budget.
Important telephone numbers in Poland
Alarm phones
- 112 is the European number for emergency services
- 999 – Ambulance
- 998 – Fire department
- 997 – Police
- 981 – Assistance on the road
Telephones of emergency services of municipal services
- 991 – Emergency power generation
- 992 – Gas emergency
- 993 – Central heating emergency
- 994 – Emergency service of water supply and sewage