Toll roads in Poland? How to buy a vignette in Poland? Fines in Poland? Parking in Poland? Autostrada in Poland? Toll tunnels in Poland? Toll bridges in Poland? Ferries in Poland? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Planning a trip to Poland? Then you need to know that the country has a developed network of highways of various purposes, for which you need to pay. In this way, the state plans to cover costs related to the maintenance, repair and construction of roads. We tell you what toll roads are in Poland, how much it costs to drive on them, how to pay and what will happen if you don’t do it.
Roads in Poland
The length of the network of public roads in Poland is 424,563 km. Of these, 304,000 km are paved roads. The length of highways (Autostrady, marked with the letter A) is 2.105 km.
Toll Motorways in Poland
In Poland, there is a toll for the use of highways depending on the distance traveled.
How to pay toll roads in Poland?
There are three ways to pay tolls on motorways:
At the gate – during check-in/check-out by bank card or cash.
Through the mobile application – to the attention of the driver to choose Orlen Pay, e-Toll Pl Bilet, mPay, Autopay, Spark, SkyCash.
An electronic ticket is a vignette (e-Toll Pl Bilet), to purchase it you need to go to the website etoll.gov.pl and follow the instructions.
It should be taken into account that paying for toll roads in Poland is equally impossible. There are different principles of payment on highways:
You can pay for driving on the Gdańsk – Torun, Katowice – Krakow motorways at the gate and from the app.
You will need an electronic ticket for the direction Konin – Stryków.
The crossing Wrocław – Gliwice is only available via the app.
Svetsko – Konin – paid only at the gate.
Toll rates A1 highway
When entering the highway, you need to take a ticket. The coupon must be kept during the entire trip, because it will be used to pay for the distance traveled. In the absence of a ticket, the driver will have to pay the maximum amount depending on the category of the vehicle.
Tariffs for 2024 (PLN)
| Vehicle | Tariff (PLN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles, Vehicles with 2 axles | 29.90 (€6.90) | |
| Vehicles with a trailer, Vehicles with 2 axles, of which one axle has dual wheels | 71.00 (€16) |
You can pay the fare in cash, as well as by debit or credit card. Cash is accepted in the following currencies: PLN, EUR and USD. Payment in cash in foreign currency (EUR and USD) is accepted only in the form of banknotes with a denomination of no more than 100. The change is issued only in PLN.
Toll rates A2 highways
Payment Konin – Rzepin
Highway A2 includes 4 toll sections:
- Konin – Września
- September – Poznań
- Poznań – Nowy Tomyśl
- Nowy Tomyśl – Rzepin
Fares for travel for 2024 (PLN):
| Vehicle | Konin – Września | September – Poznań | Poznań – Nowy Tomyśl | Nowy Tomyśl – Rzepin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles and cars with 2 axles | 26.00 (€ 6.00) | 26.00 (€ 6.00) | 26.00 (€ 6.00) | 18.00 (€ 4.20) | |
| Cars with 2 axles with a trailer | 37.00 (€ 8.60) | 37.00 (€ 8.60) | 37.00 (€ 8.60) | 40.00 (€ 9.30) |
The last 18 km. from Rzepin to the German border will remain free for travel.
The fee is calculated from PLN 0.20 per 1 km for vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons. For all other categories, the calculation is based on PLN 0.38 per 1 km.
Payment Stryków – Konin
This section of the highway is under the management of the General Directorate of Roads of Republican Importance and Motorways (GDDKiA).
From July 1, 2011, on the Stryków – Konin section, vehicles with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons and a capacity of less than 10 seats have been charged. The payment system on this section differs from that on other sections of the highway A2.
When entering this area, a ticket must be taken, and when leaving, a fee will be calculated depending on the type of vehicle and the number of kilometers traveled. Toll booths on the highway itself are located only at the beginning and end of the toll section. All intermediate points are located at the exit from the highway, which will allow you to drive the entire section without delays.
Tariffs are calculated based on 0.05 PLN/km for motorcycles, and 0.10 PLN/km for cars with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons. The total length of this section is 99 km.Tariffs for travel on The year 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (PLN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 5.00 (€ 1.20) | |
| Cars with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons | 9.90 (€ 2.30) |
You can pay the fare in cash or by credit card (Visa, EuroCard, MasterCard). Cash is accepted in the following currencies: PLN (banknotes and coins) and EUR (banknotes only). The change is issued only in PLN.
Toll rates A4 highway
Payment Katowice – Krakow
On the highway A4 the section Katowice – Kraków is tolled. There are 2 payment stations in this area. And the payment indicated below is made at each station, i.e. and in Mysłowice and Balice.Travel rates for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (PLN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 6.00 (€ 1.40) | |
| Cars with 2 axles | 13.00 (€ 3.00) | |
| Cars with two axles with a trailer | 24.00 (€ 5.60) |
Payment Bielany Wrocławskie – Sośnica
From June 1, 2012, a toll was introduced on the section of the highway A4 Bilyany Wroclawska – Sosnytsia. This area is also under the management of GDDKiA.
Tariffs are calculated on the basis of 0.05 PLN/km for motorcycles, and 0.10 PLN/km for cars with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons. The total length of this section is about 160 kilometers.Toll rates for 2023:
| Vehicle category | Tariff (PLN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 8.10 (€ 1.90) | |
| Passenger cars with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons | 16.20 (€ 3.80) |
At the same time, the 20-kilometer section of the Klischiv-Sosnytsia highway (bypass around Gliwice) will remain free for motorcycles and cars with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons.
You can pay the fare in cash or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro). Cash is accepted in the following currencies: PLN, EUR and USD. Cash payment in foreign currency (EUR and USD) is accepted only in the form of banknotes. The change is issued only in PLN.
For cars with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons, there are significantly more toll areas. The map below shows information about all such areas.
We draw your attention to the fact that drivers of vehicles with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 t*, traveling on the network of toll roads managed by GDDKiA, cannot pay the toll in cash at toll booths. For these vehicles, the use of the electronic toll collection system viaTOLL is mandatory. .
* A car with a trailer with a total permissible maximum weight car and trailer over 3.5 tons.
Ecological zones in Poland
On August 29, 2018, amendments to the law on road traffic entered into force in Poland, according to which “environmentally clean zones” will appear in the country. This is due to the fact that the Polish authorities want to limit the entry of cars into city centers and at the same time are looking for a way to promote “green cars”.
Only electric cars and cars running on natural gas will be able to drive in these zones for free. Owners of cars with gasoline and diesel engines will have to pay PLN 2.50 (€ 0.6) per hour or PLN 500 (€ 116).PLN 25 (€ 6) per day of stay in such a zone. In case of violation of the fine
Appropriate signs D-54 and D-55 will be installed at the entrance and exit from such a zone.
The right to create similar zones in cities has been transferred to city authorities whose population is at least 100,000 inhabitants. Krakow may become the first city where such a zone will be created. Discussions are also underway in Toruń and Poznan.
Road map of Poland
The main traffic laws of Poland
Speed limits in Poland
Standard speed limits in Poland (unless otherwise indicated on signs).
Cars and motorcycles:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement (one lane in each direction) – 90 km/h
- outside the settlement (two lanes in each direction) – 100 km/h
- on the highway (one lane in each direction) – 100 km/h
- on the highway (two lanes in each direction) – 120 km/h
- on the highway – 140 km/h
Cars with a trailer:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement (one lane in each direction) – 70 km/h
- outside the settlement (two lanes in each direction) – 80 km/h
- on the road – 80 km/h
- on the highway – 80 km/h
The minimum permitted speed on autobahns is 40 km/h.
Alcohol
Maximum permissible blood alcohol level in Poland 0.2 ‰.
If the blood alcohol level is in the range of 0.21 ‰ to 0.5 ‰, then the fine will be from PLN 5,000 (€ 1,160) and deprivation of the right to drive between the ages of 3 and 15.
In case of an accident, the fine will be at least PLN 10,000 (€ 2,320), and the money will be given to the injured persons.
If the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5‰, it is a crime and the case is subject to a court hearing with the possibility of immediate arrest.
Drivers who are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol will be required to install an “alcohol lock” (Alcoguard) in their car after the driver’s license is restored. This device does not allow you to start the car if the level of alcohol in the air exhaled by the driver will be higher than 0.1 mg/dm3.
Low light
Dipped beam in Poland is mandatory 24 hours a day all year round.
During the day (from dawn to sunset) in conditions of normal visibility, it is allowed to use running lights instead of dipped beam.
Fog lights can only be used in fog or rain. Rear fog lights can only be used in cases where visibility drops to 50 meters.
The fine is PLN 100 (€23).
Transportation of children in Poland
It is forbidden to transport children under 150 cm in height in the front seat without appropriate child restraint systems corresponding to their weight.
It is forbidden to transport children under 3 years old in cars that are not equipped with seat belts. An exception is the transportation of children in a taxi.
Children whose height is at least 135 cm can be transported on the back seat without a child seat, provided that the seat belts are properly adjusted.
It is allowed to transport a third child on the back seat, in the central place, in cars that are not adapted to install a third seat, provided that the child is over 3 years old and can be fastened with seat belts. The other two children must be in child safety seats.
The fine is PLN 150 (€35).
Safety belts
Using seat belts in Poland is mandatory for front and rear passengers.
It is forbidden to ride a motorcycle and quad bike without a protective helmet.
The fine is PLN 100 (€23).
Phoning
It is forbidden to use a telephone device in Poland that is not equipped with a technical device that allows for hands-free conversations while driving.
The fine is PLN 200 (€ 46).
Fines in Poland
Foreign citizens cannot be punished with penalty points. A police officer issues a fine on the spot and issues a corresponding receipt (receipt) to the driver. The amount of the fine is the same as for a Polish citizen.
In case of non-payment of the house (lack of cash or refusal to accept the fine), the case is transferred to the court of first instance. The driver may be detained by the police until the trial.
Table of fines for speeding in Poland (PLN):
| Speeding in Poland | ||
|---|---|---|
| up to 10 km/year | 114 (€ 26) | 57 (€ 13) |
| from 11 to 20 km/h | 228 (€ 53) | 114 (€ 26) |
| from 21 to 30 km/h | 380 (€ 88) | 190 (€ 44) |
| from 31 to 40 km/h | 684 (€ 159) | 342 (€ 79) |
| from 41 to 50 km/h | 1,064 (€ 247) | 532 (€ 123) |
| over 50 km/h | 1,520 (€ 353) | 760 (€ 176) |
Exceeding the permissible speed by more than 50 km/h in a populated place — deprivation of a driver’s license for 3 months. The police officer will be able to collect the document immediately after the stop.
Be careful with the speed limit when entering from Germany to Poland on the highway A2 (Świecko). Immediately after the bridge, Polish policemen are often stationed and measure the speed. The speed limit on the bridge is 60 km/h, and immediately after it is 40 km/h.Penalties for violating traffic rules in Poland:
| Violations in Poland | Fines (PLN) |
|---|---|
| Entering the dividing lane between road sections | 100 (€ 23) |
| Violation of the permissible conditions of use of fog lights | 100 (€ 23) |
| Use of rear fog lights with sufficient visibility | 100 (€ 23) |
| Overtaking on the wrong side or without keeping a safe distance | 200 (€ 46) |
| Crossing a solid double line on the carriageway | 200 (€ 46) |
| Overtaking at pedestrian crossings and directly in front of them | 200 (€ 46) |
| Obstructing a bus (trolley bus) from entering the road, which signals a lane change or exit from the adjacent territory onto a road with a marked stop in the settlement | 200 (€ 46) |
| Violation of overtaking rules by the driver | 250 (€ 58) |
| Refusal to give way to another vehicle or road user while entering the road | 300 (€70) |
| Violation of the ban on overtaking at intersections | 300 (€70) |
| Violation of the ban on turning on the freeway or on the road with high speeds | 300 (€70) |
| Driving in reverse on a freeway or road with high speeds | 300 (€70) |
| Violation by the driver of the ban on entering the intersection, if there is no space on it or behind it to continue driving | 300 (€70) |
| Increasing the speed of the driver of the overtaking vehicle | 350 (€ 81) |
| Refusal of the driver to give way to pedestrians on the crosswalk | 350 (€ 81) |
| Parking in an unauthorized place | 400 (€ 93) |
| Passing a vehicle that was moving in the same direction but stopped to give way to a pedestrian | 500 (€ 116) |
| Parking in places designated for people with disabilities | 800 (€ 186) |
If the number of passengers transported exceeds, at least, by 3 people, than it is indicated in the technical passport, the driver is threatened with deprivation of the right to drive the vehicle for 3 months.
Useful information for drivers in Poland
Fuel prices in Poland
Unleaded gasoline (95 and 98) and diesel fuel are available in Poland. There is no leaded gasoline. Gas stations (LPG) are available.
Average prices for all types of fuel as of 16.12.2023:
- Pb95 — PLN 6.35 (€ 1,473)
- Pb98 — PLN 6.84 (€ 1,587)
- ON — PLN 6.52 (€ 1,513)
- LPG — PLN 2.93 (€ 0.680)
Emergency numbers in Poland
- The European emergency number is 112
- Police – 997
- Fire protection – 998
- Emergency medical assistance – 999
Mandatory equipment
- Emergency stop sign – mandatory for all vehicles with more than two wheels
- Extinguisher
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires is not mandatory in Poland.
Studded tires
The use of studded tires in Poland is prohibited.
Anti-slip chains
Snow chains in Poland are only allowed on roads covered with snow or ice.
Recommended equipment in a car in Poland
It is recommended to have a first aid kit, a reflective vest and a set of spare lamps in the car.
It is forbidden to get out of the car without a reflective vest in the dark outside of populated areas.
The use of radar detectors in Poland is prohibited. Can be transported in a car only in a packed state.