Traffic safety and regulations in Poland

Traffic safety regulations and speed limit enforcement in Poland involve specific rules regarding signage and vehicle operation. Authorities have clarified that speed-limit signs (B-33) remain in force after intersections unless explicitly terminated by a subsequent sign, such as a B-44. Warsaw police noted that motorists must continue to obey prevailing limits to avoid unintentional violations.

General regulations specify maximum speeds of 120 km/h on dual-carriageway expressways and 100 km/h on single-carriageway expressways for light vehicles. Safety protocols also include the ‘two-second rule’ for following distances and the integration of a two-second delay in CANARD Red Light camera systems to allow vehicles to clear intersections safely. Law enforcement continues to issue fines and penalty points for violations such as overtaking at pedestrian crossings or crossing double solid lines.

Recent discussions regarding regulatory updates focus on improving driver awareness. One proposal involves updating signage for average speed measurement sections (OPP) to include the specific speed limit allowed on the stretch, rather than only indicating the start of the segment. Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak supports this measure to prevent confusion on highways and expressways.

Furthermore, Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski has proposed the mandatory installation of countdown timers on traffic lights at intersections monitored by the Red Light system. This initiative aims to provide drivers with information regarding the time remaining before a signal change, intended to reduce sudden braking and aggressive acceleration. The Ministry of Infrastructure has expressed openness to these solutions.