Changes for Drivers in Poland in 2024: Higher Fines, Stricter Requirements

If you drive a car and live in Poland, you have most likely already heard about the significant changes for drivers in 2024. These changes affect vehicle registration in Poland, driving licence exchange, and — last but not least — road traffic regulations. What should Polish and Ukrainian drivers expect? What new rules do you absolutely need to know? Read on for all the details.

Impound Lot Fees Have Gone Up

From 1 January 2024, by order of the Polish Minister of Finance, the rates for towing vehicles and storing them in impound lots have been increased. You can review the document here; below we list the key figures from the act (note: these are maximum rates). If a bicycle or moped was towed: a) for towing the vehicle – PLN 166, b) for each day of storage at the lot – PLN 32. Motorcycle: a) towing – PLN 324, b) each day of storage – PLN 43. Vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes: a) towing – PLN 697, b) daily storage fee – PLN 60; Vehicle weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes: a) towing – PLN 871, b) daily storage fee – PLN 79. Vehicle weighing 7.5–16 tonnes: a) towing – PLN 1,230, b) daily storage fee – PLN 112. Vehicle weighing over 16 tonnes: a) towing – PLN 1,813, b) daily storage fee – PLN 199. Vehicle transporting hazardous materials: a) removal – PLN 2,205, b) storage – PLN 290/day. Electric scooter or personal mobility device: a) towing – PLN 166, b) storage at the lot – PLN 32/day.

Fines for Missing or Expired Insurance Policies Are Getting Higher

Also from 1 January, Poland is introducing stricter financial penalties for delays or lack of motor vehicle insurance. For letting your car insurance lapse by 1 to 3 days, the fine will be PLN 1,697 (20% of the full penalty). If the delay is between 4 and 14 days, the payment is PLN 4,284 (half of the full penalty). If the lapse lasts 14 days or more, the vehicle owner must pay a fine equal to two minimum wages — PLN 8,484.

Since this category of fines is tied to the minimum wage (which will increase again in July), it is easy to calculate what they will be from 1 July. For a 4–14 day delay – PLN 4,300; for more than two weeks – PLN 8,600.

Purchased Used Vehicles Must Be Registered Within 30 Days

From 1 January 2024, Poland replaced the mandatory notification of vehicle purchase with a direct mandatory registration requirement. In 2024, every individual who becomes the owner of a used vehicle must register it within 30 days of purchase. Failure to do so will result in a fine: ⇒ PLN 500 – if the delay was between 30 and 180 days, ⇒ PLN 1,000 – if the registration delay exceeds 180 days. For car dealers, these fines are twice as high (PLN 1,000 and PLN 2,000 respectively).

Drunk Drivers Will Face Harsher Penalties

On 14 March 2024, amendments to the Polish Penal Code will come into force. The changes to Article 42, in particular, introduce stricter penalties for drivers found to have alcohol or narcotic substances in their blood.

1. If the blood alcohol level exceeded 1.5 per mille – the vehicle is mandatorily confiscated. The mere confirmed fact of intoxication is sufficient for confiscation.
2. If the driver was involved in or caused a road accident and the blood alcohol content was 1 per mille or more, the vehicle is also subject to mandatory confiscation.
3. Furthermore, from 14 March 2024, a Polish court has the right to confiscate a vehicle if the driver's blood alcohol level was between 0.5 and 1 per mille.
4. In certain cases, a vehicle may be confiscated from drivers who fled the scene of an accident. Fleeing is defined as avoiding a blood alcohol test, and the penalty can be the same as for drunk drivers!
5. If, in the above situations, the driver was operating someone else's vehicle, they may be ordered to pay a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.
6. In addition, prison sentences have been extended for drivers whose actions caused injury or death to others. If a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes a fatal accident, they face up to 20 years in prison. If the victim sustained serious injuries, the court may impose a sentence of up to 16 years behind bars.

Drive responsibly, follow the rules, and stay safe! Gremi Personal wishes you safe travels!