Sejm tightens regulations and allows 17-year-olds to get driver's licenses. What changes for drivers?
β οΈ New regulations change the rules for all drivers β including the youngest ones.
The Sejm has passed a comprehensive amendment to the Road Traffic Law prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure. The changes concern both harsher penalties for speeding and new rules for obtaining a category B driving license by persons who have turned 17.
Harsher penalties for speeding
The most publicized change is the mandatory suspension of the driving license for speeding by over 50 km/h on a single-carriageway road outside built-up areas. Until now, this provision applied only in built-up areas. Now it will also cover national and provincial roads outside cities.
- First offense: driving license suspension for 3 months.
- Second: at least 6 months break in entitlements.
- Third: possibility of permanent loss of driving license β the new provision targets repeat offenders.
17-year-olds behind the wheel β a new category of drivers
The amendment also introduces a breakthrough change β the possibility of obtaining a category B driving license by persons who have turned 17. Written consent from parents or legal guardians will be required, as well as completing full training at a driving school.
The so-called "young driver" will however be subject to additional restrictions for the first 24 months from obtaining the license:
- Maximum speed 80 km/h outside built-up areas.
- On the motorway and dual-carriageway expressway β up to 100 km/h.
- Prohibition of passenger transport (e.g. by taxi, Uber, Bolt).
- Prohibition of transporting passengers under occasional transport.
The Ministry emphasizes that the change aims to enable young Poles to gain experience earlier, but in a controlled manner and with restrictions designed to protect both drivers and other road users.
π‘ Expert advice:
If your 17-year-old son or daughter plans to start a driving course, make sure they understand the rules of the "trial period". During this time, any fine may result in the revocation of entitlements.
Why were these changes introduced?
The infrastructure ministry explains that the purpose of the amendment is to improve safety and reduce the number of accidents caused by excessive speed. Poland has been at the forefront of EU countries in terms of the number of road traffic fatalities for years.
- In 2024, the police recorded over 22,000 accidents, including 2,100 fatal ones.
- The most common cause was failure to adjust speed to traffic conditions.
- The amendment also provides for higher fines and better supervision by ITD and police.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) β
Yes, but only after obtaining a driving license and written parental consent. The ban on exceeding the set speed limits and providing transport services still applies.
Yes β the changes apply to both experienced drivers (harsher penalties) and new ones (introduction of category B for 17-year-olds).
The new regulations are to come into force 30 days after publication in the Journal of Laws, i.e. probably in November 2025.
