Driving in Poland

What side of the road do they drive on in Poland?

In Poland, they drive on the RIGHT-HAND side of the road.

What are the driving requirements in Poland?

The legal age to drive is 18 years old. However, you must be at least 21 years old to hire a car.

Can I use my UK driving licence in Poland?

Yes. You don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Are there any rules on on-street parking I need to know in Poland?

Free street parking is available. Check for ‘no parking’ signage and see if there are other cars parked nearby without documentation in their windshield.

Are there special road rules I need to know for driving in Poland?

Except in situations of immediate danger, using the horn is forbidden in towns.

What are the laws on overtaking in Poland?

Overtaking is forbidden at intersections, bus stops, tram stops, railway crossings and pedestrian/cycle crossings. Trams must be overtaken on the right.

Can you turn right on a red light in Poland?

You may only turn right at a red light if it’s accompanied by a green arrow signal. However, you must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians.

What are the rules on alcohol in Poland?

The maximum BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level limit it 0.02%.

Are there any unique traffic signs I need to know in Poland?

Snow chains must be removed

Accident warning

What are the rules on mobile phone use when driving in Poland?

Unless ‘hands free’, the use of a mobile phone whilst driving is strictly prohibited.

Do the same road rules in place across the whole country?

Yes.

What if I break down in Poland?

Turn on your hazards and pull off the road if it’s safe to do so. Put on your reflective jacket and place the warning triangle behind the car before calling for help.

How do I pay road tolls in Poland?

You can pay using cash, credit card or fuel card.

• Dipped headlights must be used at all times (all year round).
• There is a Toll Road (A2) between Wrzesnia and Konin.
• There is a Toll Road (A4) between Katowice and Kraków.
• Toll fee relative to road section.

For a standard rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 31mph (50 km/h) from 05:00 – 23:00 and 37mph (60 km/h) from 23:00 to 05:00
  
• Rural areas: 55mph (90 km/h)
  
• Express roads (2 x 1 lanes) 62mph (100 km/h) or (2 x 2 lanes) 74mph (120 km/h)
  
• Motorways: 86mph (140 km/h)
  

Unless indicated by road signs.

It is compulsory for all inside the vehicle to wear a seatbelt
 

• Children under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size.

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
 

• Warning Triangle
• Car Fire Extinguisher
• High Visibility Jacket - it is mandatory that the driver and all passengers use a high visibility jacket when leaving the vehicle during an accident or breakdown.
• First Aid Kit - required.

Please ask your Avis representative, whether snow tyres are compulsory at the time of your arrival