Driving to Poland | Mandatory Vehicle Equipment 2025
Roadside checks in Poland are fairly common. Fortunately, requirements aren’t overly strict. Use this guide to make sure your vehicle meets the rules and you can drive safely across Poland.
Mandatory Car Equipment | Poland 2025
Under the 2025 rules, Poland requires just two items in cars:
Fire extinguisher
Working / usable
Warning triangle
(type-approved)
Good to know
A reflective vest is not compulsory in Poland (exceptions apply to ADR vehicles and road-works personnel). Other items like first-aid kit, spare bulbs, winter tyres are also only recommended.
Passenger cars
Keep the required items accessible and in good condition (check the extinguisher’s expiry date).
Transporting children
A child seat is required for all children under 150 cm, with the following exceptions:
- emergency vehicles (ambulance, police, fire engine),
- five-seater cars where a third child seat will not fit on the rear bench (if under 3, booster only; applies to 5-seaters),
- taxis (recommended to use a provider offering child seats),
- when the child’s weight exceeds the seat’s limit (models up to 50 kg exist),
- documented medical reasons.
Good to know
There’s no statutory obligation to use seasonal tyres. In extreme mismatches to conditions, police may intervene.
Mandatory motorcycle equipment | Poland 2025
Motorcycles
Riders and passengers must wear a helmet at all times. Ensure your helmet meets ECE R22-05 approval.
A first-aid kit is not mandatory for motorcycles.
What to take? (Recommended kit)
- spare bulbs and fuses
- tow rope
- jumper cables
- glass-breaking hammer & seatbelt cutter
- torch
- ice scraper & (when needed) snow chains
- motor insurance claim form (download from your insurer)
Penalties for missing equipment
Missing a fire extinguisher or warning triangle may result in a fine of up to 500 PLN. Police may also retain the vehicle registration until deficiencies are rectified.
Mandatory vehicle documents | Poland 2025
- valid driving licence
- registration certificate (with valid roadworthiness test)
- third-party liability insurance (motorcyclists must hold TP insurance for any registered bike used on public roads)
- emissions certificate (if applicable)
- proof of payment for tolled sections (e-vignette / receipt where relevant)
- document confirming your legal capacity to drive the vehicle (if applicable)
Key traffic rules in Poland
Speed limits
| Area / Road type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Residential zone | 20 km/h |
| Built-up area (05:00–23:00) | 50 km/h |
| Built-up area (23:00–05:00) | 60 km/h |
| Motorway | 140 km/h |
| Expressways | 100–120 km/h |
| Other roads | 90 km/h |
Tolls
In Poland, some motorway sections are tolled at gates for the distance driven. Payment is usually possible in PLN, EUR or USD, typically by card.
Other rules
- headlights on at all times,
- seatbelts for all occupants,
- no handheld phone use (hands-free only),
- permitted blood-alcohol limit: 0‰.
Poland by car | Summary
Poland requires a warning triangle and fire extinguisher in cars, helmets for motorcyclists, and standard documents for all vehicles. Keep headlights on at all times and respect local speed limits for a smooth trip.
Have a safe journey!