Polish authorities are preparing revolutionary changes to traffic rules aimed at reducing accidents and improving safety. Learn more about the innovations, which include stricter penalties for drivers

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The Polish government has announced large-scale changes to traffic regulations and the criminal code aimed at improving road safety. The new initiatives provide for harsher penalties for violators, which can seriously change driver behavior.

The key innovations are described below.

New speed limits and penalties: how traffic rules will change in Poland

Lifetime deprivation of driving license

One of the most high-profile changes is the introduction of the possibility of a lifetime ban on driving for drivers who get behind the wheel despite a court decision.

According to Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, such measures are intended to be a response to massive violations that endanger all road users.

Lowered age for obtaining a license

According to the draft law, a category B driver's license can be obtained from the age of 17, but subject to

• Written consent of parents or guardians.

• Until the age of 18, a driver will be able to drive a car only if accompanied by a more experienced driver.

• Minors are allowed to drive only with zero blood alcohol content (0.0 ppm).

In addition, young drivers will be subject to lower speed limits:

• 50 km/h in populated areas,

• 80 km/h outside settlements,

• 100 km/h on highways and two-way roads.

The new rules also provide for mandatory additional training at a training center, which the driver will have to pay for himself.

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Driving under the influence of alcohol

To combat drunken drivers, the government has proposed confiscating vehicles:

• If 0.5-1.5 ppm of alcohol is detected in the blood, confiscation is possible by court order.

• If the alcohol level exceeds 1.5 ppm, confiscation of the vehicle will become mandatory.

These changes are intended to prevent fatal accidents, which have occurred on Polish roads this year, with more than 16 thousand.

Tougher penalties for dangerous driving

Among the innovations:

• The introduction of new offenses, such as organizing and participating in illegal car races. In case of violation, the vehicle can be confiscated, and the driver receives a significant fine and risks losing his or her license.

• Participation in drifting or raising the front wheels of a car will be punishable by a fine of at least PLN 1500, confiscation of the car for 30 days and deprivation of driving privileges for three months. In case of a second offense, the fine will be doubled.

Changes to the penalty points system

Currently, drivers can reduce the number of penalty points after completing a special course no more than once every six months. However, after the changes, it will no longer be possible to remove points for actions that harm the safety of other road users. This applies, in particular, to dangerous driving, racing or drifting.

Suspension of driving license for speeding

One of the most controversial proposals was the new rule that speeding more than 50 km/h on one-lane two-way roads outside of settlements will also be grounds for suspension of a driver's license for three months. Previously, this rule applied only to settlements.

Increased liability for fatal road accidents

Particularly harsh penalties are proposed for drivers who cause fatal accidents while participating in illegal races or while intoxicated. According to the new rules, the term of imprisonment can range from 1 to 10 years, and the car must be confiscated.

Green card: protect yourself and your loved ones

Changes to the traffic rules once again emphasize the importance of following safety rules. But even the most attentive driver is not immune to unforeseen situations on the road.

The Green Card insurance policy will help you avoid financial difficulties when traveling abroad. Apply for a policy here to be sure of your safety while driving!

Photo: EPA/UPG

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