The Polish Baltic coast, Masuria and Warmia are just three of the popular vacation regions in Poland. Year after year, many campers make their way to our eastern neighbor to spend their vacations there. But what are the traffic rules in Poland, what is the speed limit and what about tolls and high-visibility vests? In the following, I will give you an overview of driving in Poland – including caravans and motorhomes, of course.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Speed in Poland
- Parking in Poland
- Tolls in Poland
- Dimensions of the vehicle size
- Blood alcohol limit Poland
- High visibility vests in Poland
- Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in Poland
- Emergency numbers in Poland
- Driving with children in Poland
- Other traffic rules in Poland
- Good and important to know in Poland!
Speed in Poland
The traffic regulations in Poland naturally include speed limits. But how fast can I drive in Poland? You can find an overview here:
Speed limit in Poland for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
(exception from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.: 60 km/h) - Out of town 90 km/h
- Expressways: 100 km/h
(exception: 120 km/h on four-lane roads) - Freeways: 140 km/h
Maximum speed in Poland for motorhomes over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
(exception from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.: 60 km/h) - Out of town 70 km/h
- Expressways: 80 km/h
- Freeways: 80 km/h
Speed limit in Poland for caravan combinations
- In urban areas 50 km/h
(exception from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.: 60 km/h) - Out of town 70 km/h
- Expressways: 80 km/h
- Freeways: 80 km/h
Info
Special speed limits also apply in Poland when towing: The towing vehicle may not drive faster than 30 km/h in built-up areas and a maximum of 60 km/h outside built-up areas.
Parking in Poland
There are special regulations in Poland, not only for driving but also for parking. I present the most important ones here:
- Stopping is prohibited 10 meters before and after intersections, pedestrian and railroad crossings and train stops.
- There is also an absolute ban on stopping on bridges and in tunnels.
- Parking lights must be switched on at night on unlit roads.
- As a rule, parking in Poland is subject to a charge. Either through parking ticket machines or in guarded parking lots (strzezony – 24h).
Tolls in Poland
Most of the highways in Poland are subject to tolls. Toll stations can be found on the A1, A2 and A4. The amount of the toll in Poland depends on the vehicle class and the distance traveled.
In addition, there is a toll obligation for all vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW on expressways and federal highways. Important to know: This also includes combinations over 3.5 tons! The vehicle classes in Poland are divided into 5 categories. Please note that vehicles and combinations with twin tires are classified one category higher and are therefore more expensive; the same applies to double axles.
Payment of the toll in Poland is handled differently depending on the vehicle weight. Vehicles under 3.5 tons have it relatively easy, as the toll is simply paid at the toll stations in cash (euros or zlotys) or by credit card.
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tons – including trailer combinations – cannot pay via this manual toll system. Since October 2021, they have been subject to the e-Toll system, which can be used via an app, among other things. The viaTOLL system that was valid up to this point has been discontinued.
Further details on paying the toll, automatic payment systems and special features can be found in our article “Tolls and vignettes in Europe“.
Dimensions of the vehicle size
In Poland, a maximum width of 2.55 meters applies to trailers/caravans (with load) and a maximum length of 12 meters (including drawbar). The combination may not exceed a maximum length of 18.75 meters. Exceptions are only possible after approval.
Blood alcohol limit Poland
In Poland, there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.2. Non-compliance is punishable by at least 145 euros, but can be expensive up to 1,200 euros and there is also a six-month driving ban. Even higher penalties await you if you exceed a blood alcohol limit of 0.5%.
High visibility vests in Poland
As in Germany, a high-visibility vest, a warning triangle and a first aid kit must be carried in the vehicle in Poland. As every vehicle occupant must put on a high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle in the event of an accident, one high-visibility vest per occupant must be carried on board every vehicle.
attention
Attention, if a trailer is attached, the warning triangle must be on board in duplicate!
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Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in Poland
- There is no general winter tire requirement in Poland.
- The use of snow chains is permitted in Poland if the road is covered with snow or ice. If this is mandatory, signs will indicate that snow chains must be used.
- Spikes may not be used in Poland.
- The tread depth of vehicle tires must be at least 1.6 mm.
Emergency numbers in Poland
Info
Uniform emergency number: 112
Police: 997
Fire brigade: 998
Ambulance: 999
From cell phone: Polish area code 0048 + emergency number
ADAC breakdown assistance: 0049 89 22 22 22[/su_note]
Driving with children in Poland
Children up to the age of 12 and up to 1.50 meters must be transported in a child seat that corresponds to their weight and height.
Other traffic rules in Poland
- Seat belts are compulsory in Poland.
- It is forbidden for the driver to use a cell phone while driving.
- In Poland, you must drive with dipped headlights or daytime running lights all year round.
- Vehicles registered in Poland are required to carry fire extinguishers. Although it is not mandatory for foreign vehicles, it is recommended to take a fire extinguisher with you.
- The use of radar detectors is prohibited. Carrying them is only permitted if they are not ready for use.
- Overtaking is prohibited at junctions, bus and train stops and crosswalks.
Good and important to know in Poland!
- Fines must be paid immediately by foreigners.
- All accidents must be reported to the police.
- No red/white warning sign for the bicycle carrier on the motorhome is yet mandatory.
- In Poland, a breakaway cable / safety cable is not mandatory for caravans. You can find out more about “Breakaway cable” here.
- If you are not traveling in your own vehicle, you must know that (for vehicles registered abroad) a personalized permit must be carried by the vehicle owner.
- Every country has its own special road signs. Poland also has its own special features. Here you will find an overview of all traffic signs that are used in Poland.
I hope this overview of traffic rules in Poland is helpful for you. As you can see, the road traffic regulations in Poland are generally very similar to those in Germany, but some information about driving and safety in the country is certainly interesting to know. I wish you a good and safe motorhome or car trip in Poland.
All information is as of August 2020.
Cover picture: (c) Tanja Klose
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