Travelling by car
Here is some practical information for persons using Polish roads:
Basic road traffic rules
Poland has right-hand traffic.
The following speed limits are in force on roads:
built-up area – up to 50 km/h
outside built-up area – up to 90 km/h
residential area – up to 20 km/h
dual express carriageway – up to 110 km/h
single express carriageway – up to 100 km/h
dual carriageway with at least two lanes in each direction – up to 100 km/h
motorway – up to 130 km/h
Fastened seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and passengers both in front and back seats. Children up to 12 years of age must travel in special certified child seats.
Compulsory dipped headlights (day and night) all year round.
When driving, the driver may use the mobile phone exclusively through a hands-free set.
The permitted blood alcohol level for the driver is 0.2. The exceeding of the blood alcohol level of 0.5 mg/l is an offence and is subject to imprisonment of up to two years.
The driver should have the following documents:
Personal ID.
International driving licence.
Vehicle registration card with the valid MOT certificate.
Third-party liability insurance.
Green Card (concerns tourists from outside European Union).
All vehicles must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. Moreover, there should be a first aid kit and a reflective vest in the car.
Other information
The national road assistance network is available under telephone number 0719637
There are charges for the use of motorways. The current charges and the method of their collection may be checked at the following websites:
A1 motorway: http://www.a1-autostrada.pl/
A2 motorway: http://www.autostrada-a2.pl/
A4 motorway: http://www.autostrada-a4.pl/
The travel route may be planned, weather conditions may be checked and information about planned repairs and traffic obstacles may be found on the Website of the General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) http://www.gddkia.gov.pl/.
Car hire
You may hire cars in larger cities. Usually you may do so in the vicinity of the airport. You have to sign an appropriate agreement and pay a deposit.
There are most international rent-a-car companies operating in Poland.
