New road traffic rules in Poland from 2026: what drivers face

From the end of January 2026, new road traffic rules come into force in Poland, significantly increasing drivers’ liability. The changes concern not only driving under the influence but also dangerous behavior on the road - even without alcohol or drugs. The amendments were adopted on December 29, 2025, and introduce changes to several legal acts at once: the Road Traffic Act, the Criminal Code, the Code of Petty Offenses, and the Act on Drivers of Vehicles. The first part of the new provisions will come into force on January 29, 2026.

New road traffic rules: key dates

From January 29, 2026, the first part of extensive changes to road traffic legislation comes into force in Poland. They cover both administrative and criminal liability of drivers and aim to improve road safety.

Dangerous behavior on the road as a criminal offense

One of the key changes is that a driver may be held criminally liable even if they were sober and did not cause a traffic accident. This refers to situations where driving behavior creates a real threat to the life or health of other road users. Thus, aggressive driving, dangerous maneuvers, or gross violation of rules may lead not only to a fine but also to imprisonment.

Vehicle confiscation for alcohol: new liability thresholds

The new rules significantly strengthen consequences for drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. If the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5‰ and the driver has a court-imposed driving ban, the court may decide to confiscate the vehicle. In cases where the alcohol level exceeds 1.5‰ and the vehicle is not the exclusive property of the offender, the court, instead of confiscation, imposes a financial penalty ranging from 5,000 to 500,000 PLN. Cancellation of confiscation is possible only in exceptional circumstances or if the driver had not previously been banned from driving by a court decision.

When a driver may lose the right to drive permanently

The amendments provide for the possibility of imposing a lifetime driving ban in the most serious cases. Such a penalty may be imposed if the driver:

• drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a prior conviction;
• violated an existing court-imposed driving ban;
• caused an accident with serious bodily injury or fatal consequences;
• left the scene of an accident or consumed alcohol or drugs before police arrival.

In exceptional, well-justified cases, the court may suspend the execution of a custodial sentence, however, this possibility will be applied very limitedly.

Illegal racing: what threatens participants

A separate block of changes concerns illegal car races. From January 29, 2026, organizing races involving more than 10 vehicles requires mandatory approval from municipal authorities. Illegal organization or participation in such races will be punishable by a fine or restriction of liberty. In the most serious cases, participants face imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years.

How these changes will affect drivers in Poland

The new rules mean a shift to a stricter liability model, where not only the fact of an accident or intoxication matters, but also the driver’s behavior on the road itself. For Ukrainians living and working in Poland and using cars, this means the need for particularly careful compliance with traffic rules and court decisions. Even a single serious violation may have long-term consequences - from large fines to the loss of a vehicle or driving rights.

Advice from Gremi Personal

If you drive a car in Poland, it is important to monitor changes in road traffic rules and liability for violations. The new regulations are strict and leave no room for mistakes. Compliance with the rules is not only a matter of safety but also of your legal status and financial stability.

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