Poland with Warsaw as its capital is an eastern European country bordering Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania. The total area of Poland is 120,726 square miles making it the 71st largest country in the world and 9th in Europe with a population of 40 million people. Since 2004 Poland has been a member of the European Union. Regular freight ferry services operate from Poland to Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Polferries provides services to Nynashamn and Ystad in Sweden and to Copenhagen in Denmark. Stena line operates there to Karlskrona in Sweden. TT-Line offers sailings to Trelleborg in Sweden. In addition to this Unity Line run services to Trelleborg and Ystad and Finnlines operates from Gdynia to Helsinki.

Speed limits in Poland

Lower and/or higher speed limits will be indicated by local road signs (where applicable).

When driving in Poland couriers, van operators, lorry and truck drivers need to be aware that they should carry the following:

• Full passport
• Appropriate driving licence (If you’re not a citizen of an EU member state you will have to carry an international driving licence in order to drive a car). If you’re a citizen of an EU member state all you need is to ensure that you take it with you when you leave home as it is valid in Poland.
• Letter of authority to drive the vehicle from the registered owner
• Insurance Documents, plus original vehicle registration documents.

Drivers should also be aware that it is a legal requirement to carry the following:

• Reflective jackets for all the people in the vehicle
• Warning triangle
• Spare bulb kit
• Breathalyzer test kit
• First Aid Kit
• Snow chains should be carried and used where indicated by the relevant road signs.

Remember that in Poland you need to have dipped headlights on – even during the day.

Road Tolls

In Poland, the use of main roads by vehicles with an admissible total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes depends on:

1. Road Class
2. Maximum permissible weight of a vehicle
3. Euro emission class

There are 2 different types of levy:

1. 3.5 tonnes to 12 tonnes
2. 12 tonnes and over

Vehicles exceeding the weights and dimensions below must apply for a special authorisation which is available by contacting the General Directory of Roads and Motorways

Vehicles exceeding 3.5 metres in width must have an escort; Vehicles exceeding 4.5 metres in height must have a Police escort.

Movement Restrictions

There are driving restrictions throughout the National Road network for goods vehicles with a Maximum Permissible Weight over 12 tonnes during Public Holidays.

from 18:00 to 22:00 on the evening the day before the public holidays

from 18:00 to 22:00 on all public holidays

Weekend restrictions (18.00-22.00) during the school summer holidays (June to August)

There are also Local Restrictions for goods vehicles with a Maximum Permissible Weight over 16 tonnes within the area of Warsaw. The prohibited driving hours is daily from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.

The Transit of freight goods through Warsaw in a vehicle over 16 tonnes (with the exception of traffic serving communities surrounding Warsaw) is forbidden. Transit traffic should divert via roads No. 50, 62 and 60.

There are also restrictions on HGV movements during periods of high temperatures. Restrictions are notified by the Directorate of National Roads.

Country Contact Info

British Embassy
Ul. Kawalerii 12, 00-468 Warsaw. Tel: +48 (22) 311 00 00 Website: www.ukinpoland.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
Polish Hauliers Association (ZMPD), John Paul II 78, 00-175 Warsaw. Tel: +48 (22) 5361090 Website: www.zmpd.pl