Here are some most important rules and information about traffic regulations in Poland. I know that some of you will say that it really doesn’t happen in Poland. Unfortunately people brake these rules, especially the speed limit. So please do not take it personally. Again, these are just rules and Poles, just like other nations, occasionally brake them…:)
Some rules:
✹ Traffic is on the right side.
✹ Maximum speed: 50 kmh in towns from 5 AM to 11 PM and 60kmh from 11 PM to 5 AM, 90 kmh outside urban areas, 110 kmh on dual carriageways and 130 kmh on motorways
✹ Permitted alcohol content in blood is 0.2 promilles.
✹ Head lights must be used all year long.
✹ Foreign drivers can use a driving license from their home country or an international driving license for up to six months after entering Poland. Afterwards they are obliged to pass the local examinations which presuppose the knowledge of the Polish language.
✹ Seat belts must be worn by both front seat and back seat passengers and it is prohibited to use hand-held mobiles while driving.
✹ Children under 12 are obligated to sit in special child seats that should be installed on the back seat.
✹ Cars must be equipped with a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and a hazard-warning reflexive triangle.
Information for drivers:
✹ Caution signs and plates explaining the type of obstacle and danger have a yellow background.
✹ Pedestrians may use roads outside inhabited areas, where there is often poor visibility.
✹ Some roads are in a rather bad condition, despite the national renovation programme in progress.
✹ There are a lot of unguarded railway crossings, which require the driver’s attention.
✹ Buses moving from a bus stop have the right of way.
✹ Trams enjoy the right of way at equivalent intersections.
✹ Big Polish cities are full of roundabouts, and the traffic is often coordinated by the police. There are some streets where only taxis and coaches are permitted to enter.
✹ Drivers are not very cautious and Poland has one of the worst road accidents statistics in Europe.
✹ Polish fines range from 50-500 PLN (for speeding).
Drive safe!
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
