New traffic rules in Poland: when you can lose your license in 2026

New traffic rules in Poland, which came into force in 2026, significantly increase driver responsibility and are aimed at reducing the number of accidents. Some violations are now punishable by immediate revocation of the driver's license. Find out what actions behind the wheel in Poland in 2026 can lead to the loss of your driver's license

Issuing a Green Card policy for traveling abroad by car

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In 2026, new traffic rules came into force in Poland, significantly increasing the responsibility of drivers. The changes are aimed at improving road safety and reducing the number of serious accidents, according to InPoland.

Remember: when planning a trip abroad in your own car, it is important to check not only the license plates but also other mandatory conditions. In particular, for international travel, you must have a valid Green Card — compulsory civil liability insurance for cars. Ukrainians can apply for a Green Card for travel abroad online through Visit Ukraine, which allows you to prepare for your trip in advance and without unnecessary queues.

What violations were previously punishable?

Until 2026, the police could confiscate a driver's license on the spot for the following violations:

driving a vehicle while intoxicated;

exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area;

carrying more passengers than permitted by the technical characteristics of the car.

New grounds for revoking licenses in Poland from 2026

From 2026, the list of violations has been expanded. Now, driver's licenses will also be revoked for speeding more than 50 km/h outside built-up areas — both on one-way and two-way roads.

According to the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, about 80% of road accidents and 87% of fatal accidents occur on such roads.

It is known that in 2025, the Polish police revoked more than 72,000 driver's licenses. The vast majority of these were for significant speeding in populated areas.

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Stricter consequences for repeat offenders

The new rules are particularly harsh on drivers who ignore the ban on driving. If a driver gets behind the wheel while temporarily deprived of their rights, they may:

lose their driver's license permanently;

be allowed to retake the exam only after 5 years.

Changes to the penalty point system in Poland

In 2026, the penalty point system was also updated. It is no longer possible to cancel points for the most dangerous violations, in particular:

overtaking at a pedestrian crossing;

speeding by more than 50 km/h;

driving through a red light.

Completing courses at WORD will allow you to reduce points only for minor violations, such as minor speeding or illegal parking.

Probationary period: new requirements

Separate rules apply to drivers on probation:

if they accumulate more than 12 penalty points, they must complete a one-hour practical course;

the cost of the course is PLN 300.

The training includes maneuvering at different speeds with the ESP system turned on and off, and

emergency braking with ABS on a straight section and in a turn.

The new rules mean that even one serious violation can cost a driver not only a fine, but also the right to drive a car for years.

We remind you! Entry into Poland for foreigners requires confirmation of financial solvency. Read about which Ukrainians will be exempt from the obligation to show money at the border in 2026 and what amounts must be had by those to whom the exceptions do not apply.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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