Rules

Traffic fines and penalty points in Poland — what Ukrainian drivers must know

Polish fines can surprise you — the maximum is 5,000 zł, and one serious speeding offence carries up to 15 penalty points, more than half the limit. On top of that, repeat offences double the amount. Below is the current schedule, how points work, and what specifically affects drivers with Ukrainian licences.

In short: Maximum fine: 5,000 zł (court fine up to 30,000 zł). Points limit: 24 (20 if licensed under a year). Maximum 15 points per offence. Points expire one year after the fine is paid — not after the offence.

Speeding fines (2026)

The rates have not changed since 2022. From 31 km/h over the limit, the repeat-offender rule kicks in — commit the same offence again within 2 years and the fine doubles.

Over the limit	Fine	Repeat	Points
up to 10 km/h	50 zł	—	1
11–15 km/h	100 zł	—	2
16–20 km/h	200 zł	—	3
21–25 km/h	300 zł	—	5
26–30 km/h	400 zł	—	7
31–40 km/h	800 zł	1 600 zł	9
41–50 km/h	1 000 zł	2 000 zł	11
51–60 km/h	1 500 zł	3 000 zł	13
61–70 km/h	2 000 zł	4 000 zł	14
over 70 km/h	2 500 zł	5 000 zł	15

Other common offences

Phone in hand while driving — 500 zł and a full 12 points. Half the limit for one phone call.
Running a red light — 500 zł and 15 points.
Failing to give way to a pedestrian — 1,500 zł and 15 points (repeat: 3,000 zł).
Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing — 1,500 zł and 15 points.
No seatbelt — 100 zł and 5 points (applies to passengers too).
Child without a car seat — 300 zł and 5 points.
Parking in a disabled bay — 800 zł.

Warning: a 3-month licence suspension Exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/h means an automatic 3-month licence suspension. From March 2026 this applies not only in built-up areas but also on single-carriageway two-way roads outside towns. Doing 141 km/h where the limit is 90 costs you the document.

How penalty points work

Limit: 24 points. For drivers licensed under a year — 20 points.
Expiry: points disappear one year after the fine is paid, not from the date of the offence. Delaying payment extends their life.
Exceeding the limit: the driver is referred to a qualification exam; failing it means losing the licence.
Point-reduction course (WORD): once every 6 months you can remove the 6 oldest points (cost around 1,000–1,200 zł). Not available in the first year of holding a licence, nor after exceeding the limit. From 3 June 2026 the most serious offences are excluded from reduction.

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What applies to Ukrainian drivers

The rules are the same as for Poles, but three things are worth knowing:

Penalty points are recorded against the driver in the Polish register — this includes drivers with Ukrainian licences recognised in Poland. Ignored fines do not vanish when you go home.
An unpaid fine goes to enforcement with interest. That can complicate later official matters, including registering a car or residence procedures.
Licence exchange — if you are required to exchange your Ukrainian licence for a Polish one, read how to do it and when it is mandatory. Driving without the required licence is a separate, serious offence.

Speed-camera fines — how they work

Fines from fixed speed cameras are issued by GITD (CANARD). The notice arrives by post to the vehicle owner. You may accept the fine (and name the driver) or refuse it and take the case to court. Police cannot seize your licence „on the basis of a speed camera” at the roadside — suspension only follows an administrative procedure once the points limit is exceeded.

Fines and OC insurance

A fine alone does not automatically raise your OC premium — insurers look mainly at claims history (damage you caused), not penalty points. But causing a collision does raise the premium at renewal. If you are still buying a policy, see how OC/AC works for Ukrainian drivers.

This material is informational and is not legal advice. Traffic rules change — if in doubt, verify the current state or consult a lawyer.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum traffic fine in Poland in 2026? The maximum fine a police officer can issue is 5,000 zł for a single offence. A court may impose a fine of up to 30,000 zł. The rates have not changed since 2022.

When do penalty points expire? After one year, counted from the day the fine is paid — not from the date of the offence. An unpaid fine keeps the points on your record for longer.

How many penalty points cost you the licence? 24 points for drivers licensed over a year, 20 points in the first year. Exceeding the limit means being referred to a qualification exam.

Do drivers with Ukrainian licences get penalty points? Yes, the rules are the same. Fines and points are recorded in the Polish register, and an unpaid fine goes to enforcement with interest.