Ultimate Guide to Driving in Poland
By Anna Jones,
12th September 2025, 15 min read
Driving is one of the best ways to explore Poland as with a car, you have the freedom to explore beyond the main tourist routes and discover Poland’s hidden gems at your own pace.
However, before you hit the road, it’s important to get familiar with Polish driving laws, road signs, parking regulations and toll systems. This is a complete guide to everything you need to know ahead of driving in Poland.
If you’re hiring a car, don’t forget a car hire excess insurance policy from Eversure. Our policies work by reimbursing the fees you may incur if you return the vehicle with damage. With the right knowledge and protection in place, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and stress-free driving experience in Poland.
The Basics
- Drive on the right hand side of the road
- The minimum driving age is 18 but if you're hiring a car you'll likely need to be between 21 and 25 years old at least
- Make sure to always carry your driving licence, passport/ID, insurance papers, vehicle registration and car hire documents in the car just as a precaution
Polish Rules of the Road
- You should always give priority to the right unless signs or signals indicate otherwise
- Overtake on the left; overtaking on the right is prohibited except in traffic queues on mutli-lane roads
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the front and rear
- Your headlights (dipped beams or daytime running lights) must be on at all times - day and night, and all year round regardless of weather conditions
- Horns should only be used in emergencies or to avoid accidents
Traffic Lights in Poland
- There is no amber light after the red - the sequence goes red → red & amber → green
- A flashing amber light mean you should proceed with caution and often appears at night or low-traffic times
- A flashing red light means stop and is often used at level crossings or near emergency exits
- Green arrows on a red light mean you can turn but you must give way to other traffic and pedestrians
Speed Limits in Poland
Polish Speed Limits
| Road Type |
Speed Limit in Kilometres |
Speed Limit in Miles |
| Motorways (Autostrady) |
140 km/h |
87mph |
| Expressways |
120km/h on dual carriageways, 110km/h on single carriageways |
75mph/62mph |
| Open Roads (outside towns) |
90mk/h |
56mph |
| Built-up Areas (towns and cities) |
50km/h but 60km/h between 11pm-5am unless signposted otherwise |
31mph and 37mph at night |
Polish Road Signs
| Type of Road Sign |
Meaning |
| Circular with a Red Border |
These indicate mandatory rules such as speed limits and no overtaking. |
| Blue Circular |
These indicate mandatory actions, rather than rules, such as turn left or keep right. |
| Triangular with a Red Border |
Warnings of hazards ahead. |
| Blue or White Rectangular |
These are informational signs that are often used to indicate parking or used on the motorway. |
Poland follows European standards, so most signs will look familiar. Just remember that on speed limit signs the number is often in km/h.
Toll Roads in Poland
Poland has a mix of toll and non-toll motorways. Tolls are paid at booths, cash and cared are widely accepted, or via electronic payment systems.
Popular motorways like the A2 (Warsaw–Poznań) and A4 (Wrocław–Kraków) are tolled, and you should look out for signs indicating płatna indicating tolls.
Fuel
As fuel types are labelled differently in Poland it's important to understand the writing on each pump to avoid misfuelling.
- Diesel is labelled as ON, short for Olej napędowy
- Unleaded petrol will be written as Pb95 or Pb98 - the number indicates octane
- LPG is also widely available for gas-powered cars
Stations in the cities and along motorways are usually open 24/7.
Parking Rules in Poland
Parking is tightly controlled in Poland, especially in cities, and fines are common if you ignore the rules. In extreme circumstances your car may be clamped, towed or fined.
| Parking Zone |
Meaning |
| Blue Zones |
You are required to pay for your parking at the meter and display your ticket clearly. |
| Yellow Lines |
No stopping or parking. |
| White Lines |
These are designated parking spaces that are usually paid. |
Also make sure to park in the direction of traffic flow.
Polish Child Safety Rules
Children must use approved car seats based on their age and weight.
- Children under 150cm (4 foot 11 inches) must use a proper child seat or booster
- Children under 12 years old cannot sit in the front of the car unless they're in an approved child seat
If children are not secured properly you may receive a penalty.
Additional Safety Rules
- The blood alcohol limit in Poland is 0.02% which is essentially a zero tolerance
- Using a handheld phone when driving is illegal - hands-free devices only
- The following equipment is required to be kept in vehicles:
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest which must be accessible in the cabin, not the boot
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit - although not compulsory, strongly recommended
Driving in Poland FAQs
Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Drive in Poland?
If you hold a valid EU/EEA or UK licence, you don’t need an IDP. Drivers from outside Europe may require one.
What Should I Watch Out for When Driving in Poland?
- Rural roads can be narrow and poorly lit
- Be cautious of wildlife crossing, especially deer and wild boar
- Trams have priority in cities so make sure to stop when passengers are boarding or it's leaving
Final Thoughts
Driving in Poland gives you the freedom to discover the country beyond its main cities. By familiarising yourself with local rules, signs, and equipment requirements, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and fines. With a bit of preparation - and car hire excess insurance - you’ll be ready for a safe and enjoyable journey through Poland’s scenic roads.