New 2026 road regulations in Poland – tougher penalties, safety and what you need to know

📅 Published: 2026-02-06

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The entry into force of the amendment to road traffic law in 2026 means higher penalties, new types of offenses, and greater driver responsibility. This is a response to growing public expectations for road safety, as well as the ratification of long-standing demands from road safety experts and the police. The changes are intended to comprehensively improve the protection of the lives and health of road users and more effectively eliminate the most dangerous behaviors.

Why were the new regulations introduced?

Poland is consistently combating the high number of accidents and difficult road conditions. A decrease in the number of fatalities was recorded in 2025, but Poland still remains below the EU average in this category. The tougher penalties and the introduction of new types of crimes are intended to deter potential repeat offenders and improve the safety of all road users.

When did the new regulations enter into force?

The main part of the new regulations entered into force on January 29, 2026, in accordance with the Act of December 4, 2025, amending certain acts to improve road safety. Further changes, particularly those resulting from the amendment to the Road Traffic Act, will gradually come into effect in 2026 and the following months.

What specific changes are being made to the regulations?

The amendment introduces both new road traffic offences and toughens penalties for existing offences. Below, we describe the most important changes that every driver should be aware of:

🔹 Harsher penalties for flagrant violations

The new law penalizes the most dangerous behaviors on the road, including participation in illegal races and deliberately creating a hazard for other road users:

– Individuals participating in or organizing illegal car races may be imprisoned for up to 5 years.
– Causing a fatal accident or engaging in reckless driving may be punished with imprisonment for up to 10 years.

🔹 Vehicle Impoundment and Driving Bans

If a driver drives despite a court ban, the new law provides for mandatory impoundment of the vehicle and the possibility of a lifetime driving ban. In the case of drunk drivers with a blood alcohol content above 1.5 per mille, impoundment is mandatory, and if the car does not belong to the perpetrator, the court can impose fines of up to PLN 500,000.

🔹 Speeding – New Rules

Previously, exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h resulted in the suspension of a driver's license, mainly in built-up areas. From 2026, this rule will also apply outside built-up areas on single-carriageway, two-way roads, which means harsher penalties for drivers who drive too fast in unbuilt areas.

🔹 New offenses and obligations

The act also introduces new obligations and types of offenses that may affect everyday driving:

– Organizers of motoring rallies or meetings (over 10 vehicles) must report the event to the appropriate authorities to prevent chaos and danger.
– People who deliberately obstruct or impede traffic can now be fined or impeded – previously, this often resulted only in a reprimand.

How will the new regulations affect drivers?

The new regulations have specific consequences:

Firstly, drivers must be aware that **not only speed, but also behavior and driving style are now subject to harsher penalties**. Secondly, the police and courts will have more effective tools to remove those who repeatedly break the law from the road. This should make the road environment safer for all road users.

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