For what offenses can you lose your driver’s license in Poland?

September 22, 2023

Drivers in Poland must obey traffic laws to avoid losing their driver’s license. Some offenses are punishable by a fine, while others are punishable by the loss of a driver’s license for a period of several months to several years.

The most common causes of driver’s license loss in Poland are:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For exceeding the permissible level of alcohol in the blood or exhaled air, a driver may lose their driver’s license for a period of 6 months to 3 years.
• Speeding. For exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h in an urban area or 70 km/h outside it, a driver may lose their driver’s license for a period of 3 months to one year.
• Carrying more passengers than allowed. For carrying more passengers than allowed by the vehicle registration certificate, a driver may lose their driver’s license for a period of 3 months to one year.
• Failure to give way to pedestrians or cyclists. For failing to give way to pedestrians or cyclists, a driver may lose their driver’s license for a period of 3 months to one year.
• Violation of overtaking rules. For violating overtaking rules, a driver may lose their driver’s license for a period of 3 months to one year.

In addition, for some offenses, a driver may lose their driver’s license for up to 15 years. These offenses include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Intentional creation of an emergency situation.
• Causing a road accident with fatal or serious consequences.

Drivers who have lost their driver’s license may appeal the decision to court.

To avoid losing your driver’s license, you must obey traffic laws and be careful on the road.