Guide to Driving in Poland

Driving across Poland requires special attention, especially if you’ve never drove there before. Unfortunately, Poland has one of the highest rates of car crashes from Europe, so you should be extremely cautious. The main reasons behind such a high rate of car crashes are speeding and reckless driving; drivers often switch lanes without signaling and step on gas to hit the last few seconds of the green traffic light. When driving around the city you should keep your eyes opened for huge cracks and holes in the pavement. They can cause even a flat tire if your speed exceeds 50kmh. Road markings can also represent a problem, but streets are wide enough to allow 3 cars to fit at once in a one lane road.

The police cars are painted in light blue and white. There might be some older cars which are painted in deep blue, but all the police cars wear the ‘POLICJA’ word on the hood and on the sides. All the patrol cars are equipped with light beams. They have the right to pull you over anytime just for a quick control. In rural areas you should pay attention to agricultural vehicles since they are using the main roads and they’re moving extremely slow.

Double-check your mirrors before you initiate an overtaking because local drivers often don’t use signal lights before shifting lanes. Remember that the traffic is on the right in Poland. Parking around the large cities can be a real headache; never park near a pedestrian crossing or near an intersection. In most of the cities the tram is used as a public transportation method. If there’s no island for passengers in tram stations you must allow them to get in and out of the tram; it’s recommended to wait before the tram closes its doors and starts moving.

Essential Driving Information

• Traffic coming from the right has the right of way in intersections with no traffic signs.
• Your car should have a reflectorizing triangle and mud flaps for the rear wheels.
• The use of seatbelts is compulsory both for front and rear seats.
• You must use the dipped beam in every situation from October to February. From February to October you should use it only when driving outside built-up areas.
• The use of mobile phone without an attached hands-free device is prohibited.