Poland 2026 Driving Rule Changes

Poland tightens driving regulations in 2026 with expanded license revocation rules for speeding outside cities, EU GSR2 Phase 3 mandatory safety systems for new cars, stricter penalty point reduction limits, and new helmet requirements for young e-scooter riders.

Official source: Generalny Inspektorat Transportu Drogowego (GITD)Last updated:

When the changes take effect

2026
  • 1 Jan4 changes
  • 7 July1 change
5Rule changes
3High impact
4Test relevant

All changes (5)

Safety rules

Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (EU GSR2 Phase 3)

Effective 7 July 2026

  • High impact
  • On the theory test

Before

Basic drowsiness warning only

Since July 2024, new cars required basic ADAS including AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping; drowsiness warning based on driving patterns

After (2026)

Camera-based distraction monitoring

All new cars sold in Poland must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera to detect phone use, looking away, or other distractions

Instructor's tip

As an EU member, Poland adopts GSR2 Phase 3 from July 2026. Your new car will have a camera watching you drive - it detects phone use, eating, or looking away from the road. AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.

Penalties & fines

License Revocation Extended to Roads Outside Cities

Effective 1 January 2026

  • High impact
  • On the theory test

Before

Revocation in built-up areas only

License revoked only for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h in built-up areas

After (2026)

Revocation on all roads

License revoked for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h on single-carriageway roads outside built-up areas as well

Instructor's tip

Previously you could only lose your license for exceeding the limit by 50 km/h inside cities. Now this rule applies on roads outside built-up areas too. On a 90 km/h road, driving at 140 km/h means losing your license.

Penalties & fines

Expanded Average Speed Camera Network

Effective 1 January 2026

  • High impact

Before

Limited OPP sections

Sectional speed measurement (odcinkowy pomiar prędkości) on selected road sections only

After (2026)

OPP expanded to motorways and expressways

CANARD/GITD expanding average speed cameras to major motorways and expressways; braking before a single camera no longer helps

Official source:CANARD Speed Enforcement

Instructor's tip

Poland's CANARD system is expanding sectional speed measurement to motorways and expressways. These cameras calculate your average speed over a stretch of road, so braking before a camera is pointless. The only way to avoid a fine is to drive within the limit for the entire section.

Penalties & fines

Stricter Penalty Point Reduction Courses

Effective 1 January 2026

  • Medium impact
  • On the theory test

Before

Frequent point reduction possible

Drivers could attend point reduction courses without significant restrictions

After (2026)

Maximum once per 6 months

Point reduction courses limited to once every 6 months; only available for minor violations; new drivers in first year cannot use them at all

Official source:GITD Penalty Points

Instructor's tip

You can no longer reduce penalty points as often as before. Courses are limited to once every 6 months, and only for less serious violations. New drivers in their first year cannot reduce points at all - drive carefully from day one.

Vehicle equipment

Helmet Mandatory for Under-16 E-Scooter Riders

Effective 1 January 2026

  • Medium impact
  • On the theory test

Before

No helmet requirement

No helmet requirement for e-scooter riders of any age

After (2026)

Helmet mandatory under 16

Riders under 16 must wear a helmet on e-scooters, bicycles, and personal electric transport devices; PLN 100 fine for guardian if violated

Official source:Polish Road Traffic Act

Instructor's tip

Children under 16 must now wear helmets when riding e-scooters, bicycles, or other personal electric devices. The fine of PLN 100 is imposed on the guardian, not the child. E-scooters remain limited to 20 km/h on all public roads.

Frequently asked questions

Can I lose my license for speeding outside cities in Poland now?

Yes. From 2026, exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h on single-carriageway roads outside built-up areas results in license revocation, just like in cities. Previously this rule only applied within built-up areas.

How often can I reduce penalty points in Poland?

From 2026, you can attend a penalty point reduction course no more than once every 6 months, and only for minor violations. New drivers in their first year of driving cannot use point reduction courses at all.

Do children need helmets on e-scooters in Poland?

Yes. From 2026, riders under 16 must wear a helmet when using e-scooters, bicycles, or personal electric transport devices. The fine of PLN 100 is imposed on the child's guardian. E-scooters remain limited to 20 km/h.

What new safety features are required in cars sold in Poland from 2026?

From July 7, 2026, all new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) - camera-based monitoring that detects phone use or looking away from the road. This is EU GSR2 Phase 3. Basic systems like AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.

Sources & methodology

All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.

Information last verified: 1 February 2026

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