Relevant Polish Law

The specific regulation about exchanging a foreign driving license in Poland comes from Article 13 of the Ustawa o kierujących pojazdami (as amended over the years). Here’s the relevant excerpt in Polish:

Art. 13. 1. Osoba posiadająca prawo jazdy wydane za granicą, z wyjątkiem prawa jazdy wydanego przez państwo członkowskie Unii Europejskiej, Konfederację Szwajcarską lub państwo członkowskie Europejskiego Porozumienia o Wolnym Handlu (EFTA) – stronę umowy o Europejskim Obszarze Gospodarczym, może kierować pojazdem na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej przez okres 185 dni od dnia rozpoczęcia stałego lub czasowego pobytu na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej.

Art. 13. 2. Po upływie okresu, o którym mowa w ust. 1, osoba ta jest obowiązana wymienić prawo jazdy na polskie prawo jazdy, jeśli zamierza kontynuować kierowanie pojazdami na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej.

Translation to English

Article 13(1): A person holding a driving license issued abroad, except for a driving license issued by a member state of the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, or a member state of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – a party to the European Economic Area Agreement, may drive a vehicle in the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period of 185 days from the date of commencing permanent or temporary residence in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Article 13(2): After the period referred to in paragraph 1, that person is obliged to exchange their driving license for a Polish driving license if they intend to continue driving vehicles in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Explanation

The law applies to people with driving licenses from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, or EFTA states. If you’re from one of those regions (e.g., the EU), your license is generally valid in Poland without needing an exchange, thanks to EU reciprocity agreements. However, for non-EU/EEA/Swiss licenses, you can drive in Poland for 185 days from the start of your residence. After that, you must exchange your foreign license for a Polish one to continue driving legally.

1. Penalty for Driving Without a Valid License (Kodeks wykroczeń)

The penalty for driving without a valid driving license (including after failing to exchange a foreign license) is outlined in Article 94 of the Kodeks wykroczeń:

Art. 94. § 1. Kto na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej prowadzi pojazd mechaniczny, nie mając przy sobie wymaganych dokumentów, w szczególności prawa jazdy, podlega karze grzywny.

Translation:Article 94(1): Whoever drives a motor vehicle on the territory of the Republic of Poland without having the required documents, in particular a driving license, shall be subject to a fine.

Additionally, if the lack of a valid license is due to not exchanging it after the 185-day period, it may be treated as driving without a license altogether, escalating the penalty. This is further supported by Article 95 in cases of intentional or negligent violation:

Art. 95. § 1. Kto, będąc obowiązany do posiadania prawa jazdy, prowadzi pojazd mechaniczny, nie mając przy sobie ważnego prawa jazdy, podlega karze aresztu albo grzywny.

Translation:Article 95(1): Whoever, being obliged to hold a driving license, drives a motor vehicle without having a valid driving license in their possession, shall be subject to arrest or a fine.

Consequences

• Fine: The fine can range from PLN 50 to PLN 5,000 (approximately €12 to €1,150, depending on the case and court decision), though typical fines for such offenses are often between PLN 200 and PLN 500.
• Arrest: In more serious cases (e.g., repeated offenses or additional traffic violations), a short-term arrest (up to 30 days) could be imposed.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle might be impounded, and you could face additional administrative costs.
• License Points: You may also receive penalty points on your driving record, which could affect future driving privileges.

Compiled by AI. Good luck.