The reforms introduce significantly harsher penalties for drivers who defy court-imposed bans, including the possibility of lifetime driving prohibitions.
Authorities can also confiscate vehicles from offenders, particularly in cases involving drunk driving or repeated violations.
The legislation expands the definitions of traffic offences to include illegal rallies, street races, and, from late March, drifting - deliberately causing one or more wheels to lose contact with the road.
Fines for these offences range from 1,500 to 2,500 PLN (€357–€595), with higher penalties applied when public safety is at risk.
Organised automotive meetings involving at least ten vehicles must now be notified to local authorities, though prior approval is not required, in a system analogous to rules for public gatherings.
Deputy Justice Minister Arkadiusz Myrcha described the changes as “radical” and emphasised that the measures aim to deter repeat offenders while improving overall road safety.
The law also imposes jail terms of up to ten years for causing serious injury or death during illegal races and up to five years for endangering lives through excessive speed or reckless behaviour.
Poland acts as road deaths double those in Sweden and Denmark
The Ministry of Justice has stressed that Poland must respond more firmly to road offences.
“Twice as many people die on Polish roads compared with Sweden or Denmark,” it noted, warning that drivers who ignore court bans are “ticking time bombs.”
Officials said that previously, cases were fragmented across multiple agencies and repeat violations were often treated too leniently, undermining the authority of the state.
The new measures are intended to close these gaps and ensure that repeat offenders face serious consequences.
(mp)
Source: PAP/X/@MS_GOV_PL/MSWiA