Poland 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Generalny Inspektorat Transportu Drogowego (GITD)
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
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.
Key Changes
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (EU GSR2 Phase 3)
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic drowsiness warning only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic ADAS including AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping; drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
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
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
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.”
License Revocation Extended to Roads Outside Cities
Effective January 1, 2026
Revocation in built-up areas only
License revoked only for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h in built-up areas
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
Official Source: Polish Road Traffic Reform
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.”
Expanded Average Speed Camera Network
Effective January 1, 2026
Limited OPP sections
Sectional speed measurement (odcinkowy pomiar prędkości) on selected road sections only
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.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(3)
License Revocation Extended to Roads Outside Cities
Effective January 1, 2026
Revocation in built-up areas only
License revoked only for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h in built-up areas
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
Official Source: Polish Road Traffic Reform
Stricter Penalty Point Reduction Courses
Effective January 1, 2026
Frequent point reduction possible
Drivers could attend point reduction courses without significant restrictions
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
Expanded Average Speed Camera Network
Effective January 1, 2026
Limited OPP sections
Sectional speed measurement (odcinkowy pomiar prędkości) on selected road sections only
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
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
Helmet Mandatory for Under-16 E-Scooter Riders
Effective January 1, 2026
No helmet requirement
No helmet requirement for e-scooter riders of any age
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
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (EU GSR2 Phase 3)
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic drowsiness warning only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic ADAS including AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping; drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
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
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor Tips
Re: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (EU GSR2 Phase 3)
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.”
Re: License Revocation Extended to Roads Outside Cities
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.”
Re: Stricter Penalty Point Reduction Courses
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.”
Re: Helmet Mandatory for Under-16 E-Scooter Riders
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.”
Re: Expanded Average Speed Camera Network
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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my license for speeding outside cities in Poland now?
How often can I reduce penalty points in Poland?
Do children need helmets on e-scooters in Poland?
What new safety features are required in cars sold in Poland from 2026?
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: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Generalny Inspektorat Transportu Drogowego (GITD) — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (EU GSR2 Phase 3)
- Polish Road Traffic Reform — License Revocation Extended to Roads Outside Cities
- GITD Penalty Points — Stricter Penalty Point Reduction Courses
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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