Ukrainian drivers in Poland face fines from 1 October: what is the reason?

From 1 October 2025, Ukrainian drivers in Poland will face fines of up to PLN 2,000 for using Ukrainian driving licences without exchanging them for Polish ones. The reason for this is the expiry of a special provision that allowed drivers to drive without having to replace their documents. Find out who will be affected by the new rules and how to avoid fines

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From 1 October 2025, a special decree allowing Ukrainian citizens to use Ukrainian driving licences without replacing them with Polish ones will cease to be valid in Poland. Now, the general rule of Polish law will come into force: foreigners who have been in the country for more than 180 days are required to exchange their licences. This is reported by Uamotors.

Remember that you need a Green Card to travel abroad in your own car. The most convenient way to buy or renew a Green Card is online through Visit Ukraine, which is especially relevant for those who are already abroad.

Why are fines being introduced?

Initially, the relaxation was introduced at the beginning of the full-scale war to facilitate the adaptation of Ukrainians in EU countries. However, after the special decree expires, the Polish police will apply standard rules. This means that any driver who has not taken care to replace their licence risks a large fine.

Who does this apply to?

▪️ Ukrainians who have been in Poland for more than 6 months.

▪️ Holders of Ukrainian driving licences who continue to use them after 1 October.

▪️ Those who may be subject to road checks, which have become more frequent in recent months by Polish patrols.

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How to avoid problems

▪️ Exchange your Ukrainian licence for a Polish one at your local Wydział Komunikacji (Department of Transport).

▪️ Prepare the documents, undergo a medical examination and pay the fee.

▪️ In most cases, you will not need to retake the tests if your licence meets international standards.

For holders of temporary protection status ‘UKR’, the document remained valid until 30 September 2025, but after that date, exchange becomes mandatory.

How much is the fine?

Violators face a fixed penalty of PLN 2,000. For comparison, at the current exchange rate, this is approximately UAH 22,000, which will significantly impact the budget of an ordinary driver.

Poland strictly regulates the stay of foreign drivers. Special regulations in recent years have been temporary, and now standard rules are returning.

For comparison: in Ukraine, fines for minor violations (for example, illegal picking of mushrooms or berries without permission) are dozens of times lower than Polish sanctions.

Purchase a Green Card online at Visit Ukraine — it is the fastest and most reliable way to get insurance, even when you are abroad.

Reminder! Ukrainians who travel or live in Poland often need to apply for or renew a Green Card to legally drive a car abroad. Find out if you can apply for a Green Card while abroad and what important details you should consider before travelling.

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