By car

Emergency roadside services

Tourists who decide to drive to Poland in their own car or plan to rent a car in Poland should consider taking out insurance in case of a breakdown. Having with them the telephone numbers to emergency road services or to authorised car service centers along with other documents pertaining to the car is also important.

In case of a breakdown

Emergency road services in Poland are very efficient. In a breakdown situation please call 9637. This is the emergency number for the National Emergency Road Service which guarantees a full-range of auto assistance: removing a damaged car on special car transporters, directing you to MOT services and garages and legal advice in the case of any litigation.
The National Emergency Road Service should be on site within a maximum of 60 minutes (depending on the distance and locality of the breakdown or accident). The fee for these services depends on what is required and the distance, which is important when a damaged car has to be transported to a garage, for example.

Garages

The network of authorised garages and car services is very well developed in Poland. If you rent a car or are using a private car you are strongly advised to carry the appropriate phone numbers of these services before setting out on a trip. In the event of an accident or breakdown the numbers for these services can also be obtained from local emergency breakdown services or the police.

Petrol stations and types of petrol

Petrol stations in Poland are easy to find both in the cities and little towns. Many of them are run by well recognized brands of international petrol companies like Shell, BP, Esso and Orlen. Petrol stations are usually open round the clock seven days a week.

Petrol stations

In major cities and along international motorways and regional roads there are a great number of 24h petrol stations. Apart of refuelling your car or motorbike you can also eat something at fast food bars or restaurants, do some shopping or use the client services. The most recognized international petrol companies in Poland are Shell, BP, Esso, Aral and Neste. There are also some Polish petrol stations such as Orlen or Rafineria Gdańska offering excellent service and high quality petrol.

Types of petrol and road signs

A black petrol pump sign indicates a petrol station and these road signs are located several kilometers ahead of the station. On the sign there is also the approximate distance to the petrol station and information what kind of petrol is available. A sign showing both a black and a green petrol pump indicates unleaded petrol for sale along with the standard petrol. Stations with LPG are marked with the LPG sign. Stations with only liquid petroleum gas are marked with a „LPG GAZ” sign with no picture. The most popular types of petrol in Poland are 95-octane, 98- octane and diesel which is marked ON.

Documents and car safety equipment

Before you drive to Poland in your own car check that you have all the necessary documents and that you carry the basic car safety equipment in case of a breakdown. Documents Passport, Identity card, or some valid proof of personal identity. International Driving Licence. Vehicle registration certificate with a valid MOT certificate. Civil liability insurance (OC).Car equipmentAll vehicles must be equipped with a fire-extinguisher, warning triangle and first aid kit. It is also advisable to have telephone numbers to emergency road services. If you are driving your own car, try contacting your insurance company to see what can be arranged, or contact our Contact Center who will arrange road assistance for you.

Traffic regulations

Traveling by car across Poland is an opportunity of seeing all aspects of our wonderful country. However, when traveling on Polish roads you should not forget certain safety principles. To avoid any undesirable surprises during your holiday you should also remember to abide by the elementary traffic regulations.

Speed limits

  • built-up area – 50 km/h
  • outside built-up area – 90 km/h
  • residential zone – 20 km/h
  • dual carriageway – 110 km/h
  • single-lane road – 100 km/h
  • twin lane carriageway with at least two lanes per direction – 100 km/h
  • motorway – 130 km/h

Seat belts and traveling with children

All passengers traveling by car are obliged to fasten their seat belts – both passengers sitting in front and at the back. Children up to 12 should travel in a special certified child seat.

Lights

When driving in Poland in autumn and winter you should remember that your car lights must be on all the time. This is obligatory from 1 October to the last day of February. For the rest of the year we drive with the lights on from dusk to dawn, providing weather conditions are favourable during the day.

Parking

When traveling by car you must not to park in prohibited zones and whenever necessary you have to pay the statuary parking fee.

In some cities there are parking metres. If you do not pay the parking fee you can be fined or your car clamped.

Driving and alcohol

Driving in Poland whilst under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. The maximum admissible blood alcohol content is 0.2 mg per ml. Blood alcohol content exceeding 0.5 mg per ml is a criminal offence and can be punished by two years imprisonment.

Border checkpoints for cars

Border checkpoints

Below we present a list of border checkpoints:

With Germany: Lubieszyn, Kołbaskowo, Rosówek, Krajnik Dolny, Osinów Dolny, Kostrzyn, Słubice, Świecko, Gubinek, Olszyna, Łęknica, Przewóz, Jędrzychowice, Zgorzelec, Sieniawka, Porajów.

With Ukraine: Medyka, Korczowa, Hrebenne, Dorohusk, Zosin.

With Belarus: Terespol, Koroszczyn, Sławatycze, Kuźnica Białostocka, Połowce, Bobrownik.

With Russia: Gołdap, Gronowo, Bezledy.

With Czech Republic: Bogatynia, Zawidów, Czerniawa, Jakuszyce, Przełęcz Okraj, Lubawka, Golińsk, Tłumaczów, Paczków, Kudowa Słone, Głuchołazy, Boboszów, Konradów, Trzebinia, Pietrowice, Pietraszyn, Chałupki, Cieszyn-Boguszowice, Cieszyn, Leszna Góra, Jasnowice.

With Slovakia: Zwardoń, Korbielów, Chyżne, Chochołów, Łysa Polana, Piwniczna, Konieczna, Niedzica, Barwinek.

With Lithuania: Ogrodniki, Budzisko.